Pioneer House School is a secondary school in Manchester which is committed to ensuring all children receive an excellent education, in a thriving community, to help each individual reach their potential. The school caters for students with SEND, ASD, SEMH and SpLD. Pioneer’s curriculum is structed to equip young people with significant learning needs with the skills to thrive both at Pioneer House and in post-education; preparing them for college and employment with enhanced skillsets and abilities.
Aside from those with special educational needs, 83% of Pioneer House’s pupil population come from the 10% most deprived areas in England, meaning opportunities have not been as easily accessible. The Sunshine Coach will provide much-needed transport for these students, opening the door to new possibilities and experiences alike.

Piper Hill School is part of the Prospere Learning Trust in Manchester, which consists of four mainstream secondary schools and four Special Needs schools.
The school boasts state of the art facilities which cater for students with SEND, ASD, SEMH and SpLD, including a hydrotherapy pool, dance studio, ILE room and a variety of outdoor spaces. Students are encouraged to develop and thrive in this environment, which fosters a collaborative and inclusive community. Piper Hill values learning, diversity, respect and well-being, and champions each individual student to reach their potential. The Sunshine Coach will be used by the students to enjoy residential trips, independent living trips, reward trips, and hydrophysio sessions for wheelchair users, amongst other activities. It will be an invaluable asset to the school and help to boost the student’s academic lives, outside the classroom.

The Sunshine Coach is crucial in exposing young people to the broader world and preventing them from becoming institutionalised. The coach will help them access the privileges of mainstream such as school trips, DofE and walking therapy outings that focus on studying rock formations. Additionally, visits to art galleries and exhibitions, aiming to provide current and engaging activities that complement the curriculum. By actively seeking out these diverse experiences, we’ll foster a well-rounded education that encourages the young students to appreciate and engage with the world around them.

Dr Michael Josephson MBE said:

It was a huge honour to take part in not one, but two Sunshine Coach presentations in one day. I loved meeting the children and staff from Piper Hill School and Pioneer High. I know how much joy the Sunshine Coaches bring to the young people and their families and seeing it first-hand makes all my fundraising worthwhile.

Head teachers Linda Jones and Louise Lynn of Piper Hill Said:

We are so pleased with our brand-new minibus! It will provide so many opportunities for the school and enable our students to access a fulfilled enriched curriculum. It will also give many of our students at Post-16 the support in developing their life skills and independence in the community.

Head teacher Adele Cox and Bradley Taylor said:

We are so pleased with our brand-new minibus! It will provide so many opportunities for the school and enable our students to access a fulfilled enriched curriculum. It will also give many of our students at post-16 the support in developing their life skills and independence in the community.