Pennine offers a Wii to improve pupils’ skills

Date: 05th August 2011

Pupils with special needs at Tameside’s Denton West End Primary School are getting a Wii bit of help in developing their physical and social skills thanks to Pennine Telecom.

Pennine donated the popular games consoles together with a balance board, software and hand held devices. The equipment has been installed in a special support room for children with physical disabilities, behavioural issues or learning difficulties.

The company stepped in after research by sports coach Ian Withers identified that the consoles can be used to improve children’s motor skills. “Ian discovered evidence that using the Wii can help develop hand-eye coordination and enhance the social skills of children who might find it difficult to communicate and take part in PE lessons, such as those with autism,” commented the school’s IT Technician David Cole. “The kids are really excited by it, there’s a real buzz gone around the school.”

Mr. Cole approached Pennine who installed an Avaya IP Office telephone system and a Meru wireless network earlier this year. The managed wi-fi network allows the schools 480 pupils and staff to access online resources across the site. This means information communication technology can be employed on a cross-curricular basis rather than just with ICT lessons.