Royal visitor to school
The Countess of
Wessex with pupils at NAS Helen Allison School, Meopham
The Countess of Wessex
brought smiles to the faces of several youngsters when she paid
them a visit at their school.
Her Royal Highness met
students and staff at the Helen Allison School in Longfield Road,
Meopham, which is run by The National Autistic Society (NAS), the
UK’s leading charity for people with autism. The Countess is patron
of the charity.
The royal guest was given a
guided tour of the school, which is for young people aged 5-19 on
the autistic spectrum, before meeting pupils to find out how NAS
Helen Allison School has helped them.
Executive principal Dr Jacqui
Ashton Smith said: "We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness
to our school and show her how we support people who have
autism.
"The Countess took time to
listen to pupils and hear their plans for the future. Her Royal
Highness commended the teachers for their commitment.
"Everyone will remember this
occasion for a long time to come."
The Countess spent time
talking with Sam, 18, and Lenny, age 17, and heard how the school
has prepared them for college and life after education.
She also chatted to
12-year-old Joseph who presented her with a book containing a
picture drawn by each pupil at the school, before speaking to
Niamh, also 12, who presented her with a small posy of
flowers.
Her Royal Highness then mixed with other guests and talked
with teachers and the families of children who attend the
school.
The visit happened last Thursday.
14/03/13
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