DO you have fond memories of Lexden Springs School?

You could be of help.

Staff at the Colchester school for children with special educational needs are hosting a party ahead of their move to a new site.

Children will be saying goodbye to the old Lexden Springs building in Halstead Road on July 20, and will start the new school year at the new state-of-the-art campus on the former Heath School site, in Winstree Road, Stanway.

Essex County Council’s plans will increase the school’s capacity from 120 pupils to 200.

Some 30 boarding places are also being created.

To mark the occasion, the school’s Parent, Teachers and Friends Association is creating a memory book of times at the old site.

It will include photos and memories from past pupils, parents, staff and visitors.

PTFA member Carolyn Carey, whose 14-year-old daughter, Jessica, attends the school, said: “It has been a safe learning environment and they have had the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Now staff and students are looking forward to moving into the new site which will include a hydrotherapy pool.

It will also have two separate entrances with one specifically designed for use by minibuses and taxis to drop off and collect pupils.

Another important feature at the new venue is a playground which the Gazette helped to raise £100,000 for through the 100,000 Smiles campaign.

The funding meant students could enjoy a purpose-built play area which has now successfully moved to the new school site.

Carolyn said: “Having the playground there was fantastic and the children absolutely loved playing in it.

“Each class was given a different time to go out and play, it’s brilliant particularly for older students.

“We have been fortunate it has been moved over to the new site.”

The PTFA will also be fundraising next year for buy more transport for taking students on trips.

The students have also been involved in the new school building.

Carolyn added: “The builders have been excellent and have allowed the children to visit the site weekly.

“They have also been given the opportunity to learn things like bricklaying which is really exciting.

“It’s really good they have been able to help make the transition.”

The leaving party will be held at the Kingsland Church. Anyone who would like to share memories for the memory book can email appealfund@lexdensprings.essex.sch.uk or post them directly.