A PRIMARY school in Malvern is celebrating two years of improved accessibility, helping make mainstream education available to more pupils with physical disabilities.
St Matthias CE Primary School, part of The Spires Multi Academy Trust, completed a programme of improvement works in April 2024 as part of Worcestershire County Council’s ongoing commitment to increasing accessibility across mainstream schools.
The changes have removed barriers across the school site, including stepped areas, limited access points and a lack of personal care facilities, making the school more inclusive for pupils with physical disabilities.
One of the children benefiting from these improvements is 6-year-old pupil Dylan Driver, who joined the school in Reception in 2024 and uses a wheelchair.
Thanks to the adaptations, Dylan is able to access all areas of school life safely and comfortably alongside his classmates.
Dylan’s mum, Siani Driver, said, “Despite Dylan’s severe level of disability, St Matthias has been outstanding in their inclusive and welcoming attitude right from the start.
“We were keen for him to go to his local school, like his sisters, but weren’t sure it would be possible.
“However, with these changes, it is now possible – not just for him but any children or staff who need these facilities in the future.
“We are thrilled to see him learning and thriving at school alongside his peers and hope this example encourages other schools to open their doors to a wider range of children.”
Worcestershire County Council has invested over £147,000 in the project and worked closely with the school, local NHS teams, the Physical Disabilities Outreach Team at Regency High School, and Dylan’s family to make the improvements.
Ginnie Beale, headteacher at St Matthias CE Primary School said: “We are very proud of the inclusive provision and approach we have at St Matthias C of E Primary School.
“Over the past few years, we have worked hard to make our school more accessible to all pupils, including those with physical disabilities, enabling them to access the whole school and curriculum.
“Our pupils are flourishing in all aspects of school life, and we value the strong relationships we build with children and their families as we work together to provide the very best education.”
A central feature is a new specialist Bathroom Management Area, equipped with a ceiling track hoist, height-adjustable changing bed, shower, and medical storage.
Wider improvements include adding ramps, level access points from the playground, widened doorways and flexible classroom layouts.
Specialist equipment is also available at the school, including a portable mobile hoist, walker and standing frame.
The project also included training and ongoing support for staff, so they are confident in using specialist equipment and supporting pupils with a range of physical and medical needs.
Angela Broadbent, Senior Assessment Teacher at Regency High School, who supported the project, said: “The enthusiasm, commitment and expertise of the staff at St Matthias has been key.
“They have embraced training and continue to build their confidence in supporting pupils with additional needs.
“Inclusive practice is always evolving, and it’s positive to see a school environment that is now better equipped to support a wider range of learners over time.”
