School helps Jess to bounce back

JESSICA Baxter (8) with her brother Callum Baxter (6) signing her cast

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AFTER eight-year-old Jessica Baxter suffered a serious injury during an accident at a trampoline park, her parents were worried she would have to miss school.

But the staff, teachers and pupils at Rushcroft Primary School in Shaw have gone "above and beyond" to help the year four pupil, ensuring her injuries won't affect her learning.

Jessica, from Shaw, broke the growth plate in her ankle during a freak accident at Extreme Air Trampoline Park, at Alexandra Retail Park on Park Road, on October 28.

Her mum Helen (34) said: "She was coming to the end of her session and was walking off the trampoline when another child jumped on it.

"She lost her balance and went over on the ankle. It was a complete accident and could have happened to anyone.

"But when I heard about it I was very worried and rushed from work to the hospital to be with her."

Doctors confirmed that her injury would mean Jessica would need a plaster cast on her leg for at least four weeks and her recovery would need to be regularly checked to ensure the injury healed properly and did not leave any lasting damage.

Helen said: "I was worried about how it would affect her at school and if it would impact her learning but the school have been fantastic.

"They have made sure she can still attend her lessons and have gone out of their way to ensure she is comfortable.

"She's being treated like royalty with all her friends taking it in turns to look after her and carry her things. They have let the children sign her cast and made sure nothing impacts her recovery."

The family were particularly impressed when Helen and Jessica faced having to walk home from school when the family car was unavailable and the school stepped up to offer them a lift home.

Helen, a mother of three, said: "We thought we could walk the short distance home and stop for breaks when Jessica needed to.

"But when I arrived to pick her up from school, the site manager was there ready with his car to take us home. I couldn't believe it, they've gone above and beyond the call of duty.

"I can't put into words how grateful I am for everything they have done for Jessica."

She also praised the school for supporting the family with their youngest child Callum (6) who is currently being tested for ADHD by paediatricians.

Head teacher Jane Sheridan said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition and praise from one of our parents.

"At Rushcroft we pride ourselves on being one big family. As a family we do care for each other to try and help one another wherever possible and create a safe, caring environment which helps our children to succeed.

"Every child is important to us at Rushcroft."

A spokesperson from Extreme Air Trampline Parks Ltd said: "We are a trampoline park and we do our utmost to highlight the risks and the benefits of such an activity, we also acknowledge the fact that accidents will occur and on that basis we have strict guidelines, procedures and protocol that must be adhered to.

"In the event of an accident being reported an independent consultant is called in to carry out an investigation into the circumstances and review any procedures in order to help prevent any such occurrences in the future.

"All our staff are first aid trained with senior staff having paediatric first-aid qualifications.

"Due to data protection we cannot comment on individual cases but we wish a speedy recovery to anyone who has had the misfortune to have been hurt."