School wasn’t all hard work for pupils at Laleham Gap as the official launch of £30,000 of outdoor play equipment took place.

The school, which specialises in teaching children with autistic spectrum and speech and language disorders, had worked tirelessly for years for the launch day last Friday.

Many of the youngsters helped choose the equipment which helps them with organisational and sensory skills.

The new features include a sensory trail with a sensory timber trail/ ropewalk, two large bucket swings, two slides and an enclosed trampoline.

However, the school’s resource manager Natalie Hewitt-Zarb and other staff had to overcome obstacles and secure funding, but say they have been overwhelmed by the support they got from others.

Alongside £10,000 from the Big Lotto fund, the school, in Ozengell Place, Ramsgate, received substantial donations from the rugby-inspired Wooden Spoon Society who sent Giles Hilton, one of their supporters, to cut the ribbon.

Kent Community Fund secured significant contributions from two charities: the Albert Burn’s Children’s Trust Fund and Kent Reliance Provident Society Fund.

This money was topped up by the fundraising from the school’s summer fairs, coin drops at ASDA and Waitrose and quiz nights.

Head teacher Les Milton said: “We are delighted by the new equipment.

“We love how much extra interaction there is between the children, and the staff, who all had smiling faces.

“I would like to give a massive big thank you to all those who have contributed and it was lovely to welcome them to our grand opening.”

Staff also had to contend with moving sites and getting the space ready for the new additions.