A MAJOR fundraising appeal to equip a Poole school for youngsters with learning difficulties has received a £75,000 boost.

Montacute School in Canford Heath is set to move from its dilapidated building into a brand new school under construction in the grounds – but needs to raise £500,000 to equip it inside and out, with everything from computers to sensory areas.

One of the most essential things on the school’s shopping list are internal ceiling hoists to ensure children can be moved safely and pain free around the school, reducing manual lifting for staff.

Now the donation from the Talbot Village Trust will pay for over half the required hoists.

The ultimate plan is to create an interlocking ceiling hoist system throughout the school, linking up classrooms with corridors, toilets, facilities and changing areas.

Gary Cox, clerk to the trust said: “Montacute School provides crucial support for many local families and has fundamentally improved the lives of hundreds of children who might otherwise have not had access to the high standard of education available.”

Head teacher Jill Owen said: “These hoists will enhance the quality of life for the children immensely.”

The new school, which will be ready in the spring, was funded by a £5million government grant, which fell short of equipping the building and grounds – even with essential equipment such as the hoists. After 11 months of fundraising they are just over half way to their half a million pound target.

Fundraiser Vicki Edwards said: “Being able to now install half the hoists needed within the school is amazing and we are so grateful.”