CHILDREN’S television presenter Chris Jarvis visited the Victoria Education Centre and Sports College in Poole to raise awareness of its iPad appeal.

The BBC and CBeebies presenter, who appears on programmes including Show Me Show Me, met pupils and teachers at the residential and day school, which provides specialist care and therapy for disabled students of three to 19.

The school is currently running an appeal to provide 13 iPads so each classroom has access to one. Two have been donated by Poole-based construction company Morgan Sindall, currently building the new £2.8million hydrotherapy pool funded by the Sparkle charity.

Simon Brown, vice principal of the education centre and sports college, said iPads were increasingly being used in special needs school.

“The touch-screen technology and lightweight design are much more user-friendly than PCs for students. There is also a wealth of apps designed for students with special needs which are often more affordable than PC software programmes.”

Paul Gale, area director at Morgan Sindall, said: “We’re pleased to have helped the school in this way.”

To support the school’s iPad appeal contact Sue Stratis on 01202 768 007 or sstratis@victoria.poole.sch.uk. To donate to the Sparkle Appeal, contact Diana Newbury on dnewbury@vic toria.poole.sch.uk.