A pupil at Trinity School, in Dagenham, has been awarded a mini trampoline by the Charles Ronayne Foundation.

Oscar Birch, who is seven years old, was born with a visual impairment as well as severe learning difficulties. Following a marked improvement in his mobility, Trinity School contacted the Charles Ronayne Foundation to secure funding for a mini trampoline he could use. The trampoline can be used in class to help further develop his balance and motor skills.

The Charles Ronayne Foundation was set up in memory of Charles Ronayne, a local man who, despite being visually impaired, worked in the council’s Educational Special Needs service for ten years. The Foundation was set up by his family in his memory and offers financial support to children with visual impairments.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “I thank the Charles Ronayne Foundation for their generosity in supporting Oscar and funding this mini-trampoline.

“It is a fitting legacy:  Charles would have loved this.”

Trinity School is a Special school that is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

Abigail Town, Head of Primary at Trinity School, said: “I knew Charles Ronayne personally through his work in the borough, it was an honour to be awarded some funding from his foundation for one of our pupils.

“Oscar loves being on his new trampoline and spends his leisure time bouncing on it - smiling from cheek to cheek.”

 Nine out of ten schools in Barking and Dagenham are rated good to outstanding by Ofsted.