Summer Sessions

During the summer Mary Rose Academy’s Parent Governor and Family Support Team ran five summer sessions on Wednesday’s 10am-2pm in the school hall and playground Compass Campus. 16 pupils with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disability)  attended the sessions along with their families. 

These sessions were a time for the parents and children to get together during the holiday.  

Vicky Cleaver, Parent Governor, commented “We laughed, we chatted, we shared lunches, we played and we relaxed. We also listened and shared advice. We really all had such a great time and feedback each week was fantastic.”  

One mum was anxious as her daughter had impending surgery. It was an operation which some of the other parents of older children had been through, so they understood her worries and could offer tips.  

The parents also swapped numbers and gave ideas on places to visit and tips there too, for example at Monkey World you need paper proof of disability. The parents also brought sensory activities, parachutes and books to the sessions in the hall. The children rode the school bikes and explored the playground.  

Faye Watton-Lawrence, Executive Principal for Mary Rose Academy, said “many families of young people with complex medical needs struggle to access community activities due to a lack of appropriate changing facilities and specialist equipment.  We are delighted to be able to bridge this gap, in support of our incredible community.” 

Sharon Burt, CEO, Solent Academies Trust commented  “These summer sessions were a wonderful opportunity for our families to connect, share experiences, and support each other. Hearing about the shared experiences and value that these sessions had for both the children and parents was truly heartwarming. We are committed to supporting more events in the future." 

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