A new play area has opened at a school thanks to a grant from Kent Community Foundation (KCF).

Bower Grove School in Fant Lane, Maidstone, has installed a new £5,665 adventure play area for junior-aged pupils.

The special school is for children aged between four and 16 with moderate and severe learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs.

The Parents and Friends Association of Bower Grove School applied to KCF for the funding.

The new play area is now finished and being enjoyed by pupils who benefit from outdoor play to expend energy away from classroom distractions which can trigger sensory overwhelm and anxieties.

Natalie Smith, director of grants and impact at KCF, said: "The play area also has a secondary purpose, for therapists to use the area with individual children and small groups of students.

"We are delighted to see that the project is now complete and to hear that the children are really enjoying playing on the new equipment in the adventure play area."

The school's finance manager Leanne White said: “The funding we received has made a huge difference for our junior pupils.

"They are now able to have fun with a whole host of new equipment.

"The children were very excited to see the new area and couldn’t wait to try it out.

"Thank you for enabling us to make this such a success."