Parkes Public School has celebrated the opening of its sensory gym.
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Northparkes Mines representative, Mrs Ros Dalton was in attendance to officially open the new addition.
Northparkes has given wonderful support to the school in the form of a grant to help develop the sensory gym.
The gym has been set up in a classroom and comprises equipment such as crash mats, a lycra tunnel, scooter boards, balance boards, a ball pit and hammock.
These resources enable the children to develop their gross and fine motor skills such as strength, flexibility, agility, core strength, body awareness and coordination.
The equipment and exercises used in the sensory gym cater for many students with additional needs such as autism, attention deficit disorder, learning difficulties, dyspraxia, sensory challenges and conduct and behavioural disorders.
These children may have heightened or decreased reactivity to sensation and difficulties with motor planning and coordination.
Many children will benefit from using the gym and it will enable the students to better meet their anticipated outcomes in academic, social, emotional, behavioural and physical areas.
Parkes Public School Principal, Mrs Leanne Breaden said the school is willing to share this outstanding resource with children from other schools who might benefit from a sensory gym program.
Following the opening, Mrs Dalton and other guests were treated to a demonstration of some of the activities prior to attending a special morning tea.
Parkes Public School staff and students are most appreciative of the generosity of Northparkes Mines and would like to thank and acknowledge them for the outstanding contribution they make to the local community.