Generous Staff Dress Down for Local School

An Erdington school for children with severe learning difficulties has received a welcome cash donation from Birmingham based Palletline plc.

Staff from Palletline, the UK’s longest established pallet distribution network, have raised £500 for the Bridge School through weekly ‘dress down’ Fridays, where staff have given cash for the right to wear what they wanted at the company’s head office location on Tyburn Road.

Presented by Palletline’s Sue Herbert at a special assembly on 6 October, the money has paid for a number of magnetic story boards and riding lessons for pupils at a nearby stable.

“As Palletline’s head office and main distribution hub is in Birmingham, staff thought it would be a good idea to raise funds for a local cause,” said Sue Herbert. “The Bridge School is in very close proximity to us, so it’s very gratifying that we have been able to help a local school in such a way. Staff have really liked being able to dress more casually once a week, and are happy to pay for that privilege.”

And reaching the £500 is not the end of the fundraising added Susan: “We are continuing with our dress down days - £1 per person – and Palletline will also hold its usual Christmas raffle to raise more funds.”

The Bridge School, on Reservoir Road in Erdington, is a small primary special school offering educational and social opportunities for around 50 children with severe learning difficulties. Many pupils have additional physical disabilities, sensory impairment and autism.

“We operate across two sites, our main school in Erdington and a second in Sutton Coldfield,” said headmaster, Steve White. “It’s incredibly generous of the Palletline staff to have raised such a significant amount. The story boards are already helping with our story time sessions.

“Some of our children are also developing skills for balance and co-ordination, and at the same time building their confidence and independence skills. We take these pupils horse riding each week to support this learning. It’s very expensive, and some of the money raised will be spent on these valuable lessons to help develop vital skills.”