A leisure centre has made changes to its special swim sessions after facing backlash on social media.

Parents had accused Maidstone Leisure Centre of being “thoughtless” after SEN (special education needs) sessions were introduced at its new splash pad.

Earlier this month the popular venue announced parents could book for the play times between 8am and 9am on August 16 and 30.

Unlike busier periods, they would feature no music and have quiet changing rooms.

The announcement angered some parents who claimed they would “have no chance of having my SEN child there for that time”.

Despite five families signing up to the first session on August 16, the centre listened and made changes to the plan.

James Reynolds, partnership manager for Maidstone Leisure Trust, said: “Feedback from parents detailed that they wanted sessions whereby there was no one in the pool either before or after their specific session.

“We were mindful that as a huge destination facility, we would need to consider quieter sessions of the pool, but also find time in the school holidays where there would be reduced noise and mellow lighting.

“We also took into consideration, times that were quieter for our soft play, café and group classes.

“Social media comments drew attention that having these sessions first thing in the morning was not suitable for many families and taking on board this feedback, we are pleased to say that SEN children and their families will have a specific allocation on our busy programme at 5.30pm till 7pm, on the last Friday of every month, starting in September when there is a demand.”

SEN campaigner Lisa Lloyd has applauded the centre for making changes after concerns were raised.

The 40-year-old said: “I am very very glad that they’ve listened and I think more companies need to do that.

“A big part of their clientele is SEN famillies – we still pay our money, we’re still customers.”

Lisa has two children, Finley and Poppy, who both have autism.

She has taken them to the newly revamped splash pad which opened earlier this month.

The mum said: “It’s absolutely amazing what they've done there – it’s perfect for children with sensory needs.”

The Aztec-themed “mini water park” was part of a £2.5 million upgrade to the centre.

And having quiet sessions at such places is “amazing” says Lisa, particularly during the school holidays which are usually too busy for SEN families.

But too often they are held at “inappropriate times” she said.

She added: “Every time we hear about a ridiculous time, the parents are angered straight away which I understand because we hear it time and time again.

“We’re not just talking about SEN children, we’re talking about all children - 8am is ridiculously early to get somewhere.

“The thing that feels the worst is it would be quiet anyway so it just feels like companies say they are offering this as a way to make themselves look good.

“Our children miss out on enough in life and are excluded from enough things – they have more struggles and it just seems so unfair that they can’t enjoy the holidays like other children can.”