It’s also hoped the pool will offer a comfortable environment for families of children with autism to use outside of school hours. Many of whom may not feel comfortable taking their children swimming because of the stresses associated with behavioural issues. Construction work started at the 5-acre site of Portfield School, just outside Christchurch, in March and is due to complete by the end of October. Debbie Anderson of the the Wessex Austistic Society, Robin Haycock; Richard Erven and Stuart King, all from Spoon, were on hand to jump into the as yet unfilled pool (seen above).The funds for the therapy pool, costing an estimated £900,000, have been raised entirely from the community through the Domino Appeal.

Tthe Wessex Autistic Society was formed 39 years ago by a group of parents of children with autism. It is a voluntary organisation, which aims to ensure that all people with autism and related conditions, and their carers, in the Wessex region, have access to appropriate education, care, support, and development services. The Society covers Dorset, Somerset, West Hampshire and Wiltshire. The Portfield School, just outside Christchurch, was built in 2002 and designed specifically to meet the needs of children with autism. It provides the 80 students with facilities that include fully fitted science, design and technology, food technology, IT and art rooms in addition to a music therapy room, speech and language suite, PE hall, library, sensory room and 8 class bases each of which include a teaching area, quiet area and dedicated outdoor learning space. Four boarding houses cater for 8 children each in single bedrooms with boarding offered weekly or per term as required.