Inspectas, a Drighlington-based business, specialises in providing health and safety, fire safety and general property compliance for sectors including education, healthcare, retail and local authorities. 

The team were keen to support a local good cause as part of their social responsibility drive and pledged to sponsor 50 waterproof kits to ensure our pupils could play outside, whatever the weather.

Assistant headteacher, Aimee Helie, said: “Outdoor learning and forest schools are core components of our curriculum because they offer sensory experiences and opportunities for personal growth that can’t always be achieved inside a classroom. However this needs to be an all-round rather than a seasonal resource to ensure our learners get the very best out of the outdoor space we are creating. And in order to do that, we needed to invest in waterproof clothing – something the school simply didn’t have the resource for.

“The support from Inspectas in purchasing all weather waterproofs is a game-changer for our pupils here at Co-op Academy Delius. With this new waterproof gear, all of our pupils can take full advantage of these enriching activities, regardless of their physical abilities or the weather. 

“For our pupils with special needs, these outdoor experiences are particularly beneficial in promoting communication, motor skills and social interaction. The addition of the new waterproof clothing will mean that every child can participate fully and comfortably, whether they are building dens, exploring the woods, or learning about local wildlife!”

Inspectas Operations Director, Fiona Lindsay, added: “A large proportion of the properties we provide occupational management for include schools and universities so we are very aware of the complexities of the buildings and of the large amount of work it will be taking Delius Academy to develop their forest school.

“With so much time and energy going into this outdoor project, it was clear to us that the pupils needed to be able to benefit from it at any time of the year. So we were absolutely delighted to be able to help by providing all-weather clothing to ensure the children the forest school is there for, can enjoy it to its full potential – whatever time of the year!”