SMILES shine out - 100,000 of them.

The children of Lexden Springs School can at last play in their own purpose-built playground - thanks to the generosity of others.

The school cares for children with severe learning difficulties.

The youngsters, who are aged from four to 19, have a wide range of disabilities - some have autism, some physical problems, some behavioural. All need extra help.

But the fundamental principle of helping children to grow and learn through play had hit a major obstacle as the facilities at the school in Halstead Road, Lexden, were woefully inadequate.

The playground had a concrete surface and only a handful of swings.

The school's playing field measures 16m by 20m - the size of a reasonable back garden - and had just a goalpost and netball net.

The school's PTA, with the support of the Gazette, launched the 100,000 Smiles appeal.

The campaign aimed to raise £100,000 to buy play equipment which could be used by the youngsters - including those in wheelchairs.

Money flooded in through donations, fundraising and grants and the school, children and their families celebrated when the target was hit earlier this year.

Work was carried out to install the equipment over the summer holidays and the children returned to school to see their new state-of-the-art playground.

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Charlotte Foxley, chairman of the school's PTA, thanked the community and everyone who had supported the appeal.

An official open day will be held soon so supporters can see the new playground.

Charlotte, who son, Charlie, six, is a student at the school, said: "Thank you again for the support of the wonderful people in our community who read the Gazette and who have supported us throughout this project.

"The children are so excited about their new playground.

"We know it means so much to the children to be able to play together on the roundabout or use the ability swing for those in a wheelchair and develop physical skills on the climbing equipment.

"We have achieved a huge amount in such a short time and this wouldn't have happened without the support of the Gazette.

"I would like to thank everyone on our PTA who have worked tirelessly and to those staff members who have driven the project forward.

"We look forward to seeing many of our donors on the opening event as we are proud to show off this new facility."

Anyone who has supported the appeal and would like to see the playground should contact the school by emailing admin@lexdensprings.essex.sch.uk.

 

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* PLAY is vital to the children at Lexden Springs School.

It is crucial for their physical development as well as improving their agility and balance.

But most of all, it allows the children to have fun, to enjoy a precious sense of freedom.

The new playground includes swings and a roundabout, which can be used by disabled children, including those in wheelchairs. They are able to make the swing work by pulling a rope.

For the more able children, there is a rope climbing frame.

The playground also includes a bubble tunnel, wobble board and wavy bridge.

A wavy mirror provides sensory stimulation for children and, underneath, a spongey floor ensures the children are not hurt if they fall.