CHILDREN from Larkrise School enjoyed an exclusive playtime session at the town’s newest softplay centre.

Pupils from Larkrise tried out a new sensory room in Baloos play centre in Silver Street, Trowbridge.

Lucy Coombes, owner of Baloos said: “From the beginning we have had the sensory room and wanted to make that a big part of what we offer the community.

“So especially with everything thing going on with special schools at the moment we wanted the school to come in one day so that we could show them what we can offer and they can get used to us in a private session.

“It was a win/win, they helped us and out staff worked really hard with them. We would like to do more private sessions for special schools and parents carer groups.

“Since we opened it has been amazing. We have hit the ground running and our staff have worked tirelessly to get the businesses going.”

Larkrise School later told the centre: “Thank you for welcoming us to Baloo’s.

“We were looked after so well by Joan and all the other staff. The students had such a fantastic time in your wonderful soft play. We will definitely be coming back.”

As the Wiltshire Council consultation into closing the local special schools continues, Bradford on Avon town councillors have agreed to donate £1,000 to special school campaigners to help cover the legal costs of their fight to save Larkrise and St Nicholas.

Cllr Dom Newton said: “Councillors took the decision to support the campaign in a small way, primarily to ensure that appropriate consultation is undertaken by Wiltshire Council prior to such key decisions being taken.

“Changes in routine can have a huge effect on children at SEND provision. As such, given the recent initial victory by the campaign, we felt it was absolutely the right thing to do to; to make a small contribution so that all voices, including those of the towns and parishes served by these schools, can be properly heard.

“We encourage other town councils to join us in supporting the campaign. Bradford on Avon is not alone in having children and young people in need of this, nor should it be alone in supporting the rights of them and their families to local facilities.”