A CHRISTCHURCH business owner has donated a large batch of PPE to his former school for when they reopen next week.

The Arnewood School in New Milton has received 120 face shields from a former student who learned that staff had given all their PPR away at the beginning of the lockdown.

Christian Underhill wanted his former school to be prepared for a gradual re-opening when Year 10 and 12 students begin to return.

Christian, who lives in Christchurch and is founder of HR consultancy MyAmbition, had already been working with the school’s students on eco projects.

He said: “I had just started to source face shields to donate to those who need them most when I found out that my old school didn’t have any.

“Fortunately, I was able to donate 120 and was really proud to support Arnewood where I have really fond memories.

“I know the school and the staff have been working incredibly hard through the crisis and have been in every day to look after the children of key workers.”

Christian, who left Arnewood sixth form in 1997 – the first year group to take A Levels at the school – is also manufacturing his own face shields for NHS staff.

He has also developed ‘sleep packs’ containing a variety of products to help NHS staff get important sleep, and these too have been donated to NHS workers.

Headteacher Nigel Pressnell said: “We are grateful to Christian for the donation because some weeks ago we passed the school’s PPE to the NHS frontline.

“The donated face shields will be available to those students and staff who wish to wear them.

“Our survey of children, parents and teachers indicates that a number of them would feel more comfortable about being in school with the option of having PPE.”

The Arnewood School, like many schools across Dorset and the county, are making detailed preparations for some students to return to school on Monday June 15.

Boris Johnson announced on Sunday May 24 that primary schools will reopen for early years pupils, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 next Monday.

The government has not stipulated whether PPE should be made compulsory for students and teachers to wear but the equipment has been made available for the peace of mind of parents.

Mr Presnell added: “Our Years 10 and 12 will be able to come back later in the term in a carefully-phased approach for limited periods during which safety will be of the upmost concern.

“Therefore, to have the face shields available will give protection and also confidence.

“It is extremely pleasing to see a former student doing so well and getting involved in helping out during the coronavirus crisis.”