STAFF and parents at a Blackbird Leys special school are working hard to transform its run-down playground for disabled youngsters.

Mabel Prichard School needs to raise £25,000 to replace playground equipment at its Cuddesdon Way base.

Staff and parents united last year and havesince raised £12,000 to revamp the old facilities.

Deputy headteacher Kate Schnelling said: “It’s really important because the disabled children, they can’t access any play facilities.

“It’s devastating. Some of them are in wheelchairs and they have friends who are not in wheelchairs and they can’t play together.”

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The school caters for 80 children between the ages of two and 19 with learning disabilities, withabout half of the youngsters in wheelchairs. Dr Schnelling said disabled children often watched their classmates enjoying the outdoor facilities.

She added that the school had raised £1,000 already this year in after generous donations from the public.

She said: “I think it’s nice to be part of the community, for children to be part of the community, and realise they are not different from any other children.”

The new-look playground would include an integrated roundabout, enabling children of all abilities to play together.

It would also include a sensory environment with mirrors and giant chimes, goal posts, a basketball hoop and outdoor rubber-based surfacing.

After a £4,500 grant in December from the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the Oxford Mail’s parent company Gannett Media, a wheelchair swing will also be installed.

Parent governor Claire Haynes has organised a family fun day to boost funds on Saturday, February 28,.

It will take place from noon until 9pm at the Oxford Sports and Social Club, in Roman Way, Cowley. Families can enjoy the musical talents of Oxford’s Nick Cope, as well as the talents of the Strawberry Fayre Majorettes, alongside sweet treats and games.

Oxford United has also donated two signed footballs for a silent auction, while more than 20 prizes will be up for grabs in a raffle.

Mother-of-two Mrs Haynes, from Cowley, said: “Not all children have the right to play and all children should have the right to play."

For more information about the appeal call 01865 777878.

“These children are in wheelchairs and have to sit and watch everyone else playing.

“To see them smiling again would mean so much.”