Chester school caretaker has room named after him

Jan 20 2009 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

A SCHOOL caretaker has been honoured for his hard work in helping pupils at his school.

Graham Armstrong, caretaker of Dee Banks Special School, will have a room named after him having masterminded the refit of the school’s light and sensory room.

Headteacher Ray Elliott said: “All of the work, including replacing all of the equipment and total redecoration, was done in-house by Graham. Without his efforts, the money would just not have stretched far enough.”

The funds for the refurbishment were raised at a benefit concert by the Chester women’s choir A Handbag of Harmonies.

One of the singers, Lesley Halliwell, has a son Patrick Halliwell-Dykes at the school.

Ray added: “The room helps a lot of our pupils. Those who are visually impaired develop tracking skills by following a bright light and those with other sensory impairments get more from their environment in the room.

“It is also a relaxing and calm environemnt for some of our young people, especially those on the autistic spectrum.”

The refurbishment of the room was co-ordinated by Wendy Sieber, a teacher at the school and children and staff from each class were invited to the opening.