Money seized from criminals has been put to good use at a Lichfield nursery.
The Gateway Special Needs Nursery at Lichfield Learning Campus has been awarded £1,500 from the Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund.
The money has been used to purchase two new tablet computers to help teach youngsters with communication and learning difficulties.
The Fund is made up of money and assets seized from criminals in Staffordshire.
“For the first time, 100 per cent of funding that comes back to Staffordshire Police from proceeds of crime seizures is going directly to local communities,” said Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.
“I’m a firm believer in early intervention and this project exemplifies this. By tackling potential, future-behavioural problems early, everyone in the community will benefit.”
The nursery is hoping to purchase specialist software for the tablets which will allow children with speech problems to communicate with by using eye movements.
Gateway’s deputy manager Sue Dooley said: “Communication difficulties can impact on children’s behaviour and can cause tremendous pressure on families often resulting in distress and frustration.
“We are delighted to receive this funding which will help develop our ongoing work with pre-school children with these difficulties.”
