Tauranga Special School's new van will wheel out greater opportunities for its students. As the only specialist school in the Bay of Plenty and with student numbers growing, the school was in desperate need of a new van, says professional learning leader Jo Crean.

'The school has increased in size between 20 and 25 per cent in the last three years.”

Operating across multiple sites, with four classes at their central Tauranga base and six off-site, the extra van will ensure all students can be included in extracurricular activities.

'Some of the activities students participate in include swimming, hydrotherapy, Riding for the Disabled, regular fitness, Special Olympics events, hockey, kayaking and athletics,” says Jo.

The new van means that no students will miss out on these opportunities. 'We pride ourselves on offering a well-rounded curriculum for all of our students and understand the importance of regular exercise as a part of their learning programme both for now and their future,” says Jo.

'Our older students aged between 18 and 21 are given the opportunity to contribute to our community,” says Jo. Older students require transport to volunteer at Meals on Wheels, the library, foodbank, community gardens and to gain work experience.

Tauranga special school thanks New Zealand Community Trust for a $30,000 grant towards the van purchase. 'We are so grateful to NZCT for the ongoing support they give to our school,” says Jo.