Sally secures sensory room for her school

Sally Maders

A SCHOOL pastoral support worker who goes above and beyond to make sure all her pupils are happy is thrilled to have been nominated for a pride in Oldham award.

Sally Maders has been integral in gaining funding and setting up a special sensory room at St Edward’s RC School, Lees, so that pupils with disabilities and other conditions can have a safe place to relax or have fun.

Sally (41) was inspired by Ruby Baker (6), a pupil who suffers from the severe neurological condition Leigh Syndrome, which leads to progressive loss of mental and movement abilities.

The condition means Ruby cannot walk or speak and occasionally suffers seizures.

Sally began researching sensory rooms, inspired the school into fundraising and is now seeing her hard work put into action as building work on the room gets under way.

Surprised

Sally, who has worked at the school for nine years, said: “I am so surprised and shocked to be nominated.

“I just can’t believe it! I started the sensory room idea because I felt that it was something the school needed.

“We wanted to help keep our children with additional needs in the school and make sure they have all the facilities that they needed.

“With the sensory room we will be able to accommodate a large number of children and I am sure they will all get a huge benefit from it.”

She was nominated by parents of pupils as well as head teacher Peter Moore, who said: “Sally has co-ordinated a whole community effort to raise funds for a sensory room at school.

“She has project managed the whole enterprise from research, fundraising, design and now the build.”

He added that he is confident the room will be open in September so Ruby and other children can enjoy the new facilities.

Mr Moore continued: “Sally has enthused the whole school community into joining in with the fundraising. Children in school have helped with the fundraising by organising Zumba parties, sponsored swims, sponsored runs, cake sales and more things beside.”

He said she also applied for a grant from friendly society Engage Mutual and “thanks to the tireless campaigning of Sally and the sensory room team, she was successful in the bid”.

l To nominate someone or a group for an award, complete the form below or email the required information to editor@oldham-chronicle.co.uk, using the word Pride in the subject line.