Current Fundraising Projects HIGHFIELD SCHOOL

 A popular local Special School - oversubscribed  106 pupils aged 3-19 years from East Cambridgeshire and beyond  In the last three years: drop in funding and increase in pupils with complex needs  Highfield School is working with the Local Authority on plans to expand the school to accommodate more pupils  Proactive approach taken to funding shortages in order to preseve provision – appointment of Income Generator September 2013  Partnerships with local businesses and organisations important HIGHFIELD SCHOOL – An Overview

 There are several areas of provision for which Highfield School does not receive any statutory funding, so we are seeking alternative means of providing these items:  Eye Gaze equipment - £1395 per set, required to meet the needs of pupils with complex needs, aids communication and access to learning. We hope to buy 4 sets by July 2015 so that each Key Stage has access to this equipment on a daily basis.  Art Therapy - £8500 per annum, again benefits are diverse; this psychotherapy is a mixture of art-making and communication which enables pupils to express issues indirectly, and produce artwork which promotes self esteem.  Music Therapy - £17000 per annum, the benefits of music therapy are wide-ranging, enhancing pupils’ physical and mental development. AREAS TARGETTED

 This technology allows pupils who are unable to speak to communicate, and those with severe physical disabilities to be able to use a computer.  The equipment uses eye tracking technology to allow pupils to control the mouse cursor with eye movement.  We would like to fundraise for the purchase of 4 sets of equipment, so that there is a set available for each Key Stage in school.  Each set costs £1395 (£995 for the Eye Tracker, £400 for the laptop). EYE GAZE

 Highfield currently employs two music therapists for 3 days per week to work with pupils one-to-one  Pupils are referred to the music therapists by staff in school  Music therapy enhances physical development (fine motor skills), increases concentration, builds better communication skills, helps pupils control their emotions, and develops confidence and self esteem MUSIC THERAPY

 At present art therapy is offered on an ad hoc basis. Highfield would like to have a dedicated part-time member of staff to run regular art therapy sessions  Art therapy can help pupils escape the stress of their disability. Art acts as a symbolic language for pupils to communicate, increasing their awareness of self, and improving their relationships with others ART THERAPY