Dartford teacher will shave head to raise funds for autism swing

Ali Wyatt is a SEND teacher at Langafel CE Primary School in Dartford and is working to raise the money to get a sensory swing at the school.

She believes the swing will be invaluable for children with autism and other special education needs.

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Ali needs to raise £15,000 to pay for the swing and has said she is happy to shave her head if she reaches the target to prove her dedication to the cause.

She has worked with children with autism for over 25 years and currently teaches in the specialist resource provision which caters for children with an EHCP and a diagnosis of autism.

Ali told the News Shopper: "I am excited about shaving my head and showing the children my commitment to this cause.

Ali Wyatt: A Dartford teacher vows to shave head if she reaches fundraising goal for autism swing (Image: Ali Wyatt)

"I love my job with a passion and want to raise money for this therapeutic intervention, which I have used in previous settings with great success.

"The swing offers vestibular stimulation, improves balance and develops important motor skills.

"I have also used the swing in a previous school to help soothe and calm a child while we complete an important learning task. 

"With school budgets suffering it is vital that we pull together as a community to ensure that the children still have access to important additional resources."

She said that using a swing increases blood flow to the brain, which helps children to be calm and less anxious, which will help them to focus in their lessons.

Ali has been raising money through a Go Fund Me page set up by Laura Marchant, chair of FOLS (Friends of Langafel PTA).

The school is holding a non-uniform day to further help Ali reach her goal and some parents who work for Dartford council and the local police force have offered to help fundraise.