FACILITIES which teachers say will make a big difference to students at a special school are now officially open.

Lexden Springs Special School, in Halstead Road, Colchester, now has a woodland walk, an outdoor musical arena, a garden room and a house for older students.

Colchester mayor Sonia Lewis officially opened the four separate projects.

Those who joined in the celebrations included parents, governors, councillors and individuals who helped raise the £500,000-plus the facilities cost.

The event involved students of all ages who were eager to show off their new facilities.

At the opening, headteacher Jacky Wood said: “It’s been beautiful. We have been lucky with the weather.”

Senior manager Mike Theasby added: “We have a fantastic new woodland walk which meanders through the trees, giving a view of the woodland below and allowing students to enjoy a safe, outdoor sensory learning environment while fully participating in our Forest School project.

“In the lovely outdoor musical arena, a musical extravaganza was performed by the students. We also have a colourful new garden room attached to the Rainbow class, for younger children, complete with a stained-glass window.

“Finally, we have the newly-updated and modernised house in London Road, which will be a teaching centre for pupils who are over 16.”

The teaching centre will allow pupils to learn life-skills-based in a more adult environment.

The garden room and musical arena are finished, but work is continuing on the woodland walk. The house will start to be used after half-term.

The school had help with funding from a variety of sources, including Colchester insurance company, Hiscox, Child First extended services initiative and local councils.