Vandals have targeted a Middlesbrough SEND school and smashed up several minibuses, days before the start of the new term.
Priory Woods School and Arts College said two people repeatedly returned to the school between 6pm and 7.30pm on Thursday, August 20, and vandalised three minibuses.
Now the school is left with only two minibuses for the start of term.
Vandals targeted three minibuses at Priory Woods School and Arts College last week.
(Image: Priory Woods School)
The Middlesbrough-based school said the children will be hit hardest by the damage - missing out on community visits, educational trips and life-skills experiences that form an important part of development for SEND pupils.
In a statement, the school said: "At the start of the new school year, many of our pupils may be unable to access trips, activities and community experiences that are such an important part of their education and development.
"With only two minibuses remaining available for the start of term, our ability to provide these opportunities will be significantly affected."
Vandals targeted three minibuses at Priory Woods School and Arts College last week.
(Image: Priory Woods School)
The school stressed that the vehicles are a vital part of the education, rather than an added extra.
Staff said: "As a Special Educational Needs school, our minibuses are not a luxury. They are essential.
"They enable our students to access opportunities beyond the classroom, develop independence and take part in experiences that many people take for granted."
The vandalism left the vehicles with smashed windows and lights, as well as interior damage to the furnishings and electrics.
Vandals targeted three minibuses at Priory Woods School and Arts College last week.
(Image: Priory Woods School)
Priory Woods School sits on the same site as Outwood Academy in Middlesbrough.
(Image: Google Maps)
The repair costs will put more pressure on the school's resources, with money now being diverted away from supporting pupils to get the buses back up and running as soon as possible.
The incident was captured on CCTV, and the footage has been handed to Cleveland Police.
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Priory added: "What has happened is far more than vandalism.
"It is our pupils who will pay the price through missed opportunities and disrupted experiences at the start of the school year."
Priory Woods has asked the local community to share details of the incident in the hope of helping identify those responsible.
Anyone with information should contact the school directly or get in touch with Cleveland Police by calling 101 or through the online contact page.