Pupils at a primary school in Washington have been given a very special gift by a local charity.
Biddick Primary School has a diverse student population, including children who have Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The school has an inclusive ethos which means children are not made to feel different, irrespective of their needs, and are very much part of the school community.
So they applied to the Sunshine Fund for help with specialist equipment to fulfill the sensory needs of some of their children.
As well as providing equipment for individual families and children, the fund supports organisations too so they were more than happy to help.
In today's economic climate, schools are battling severe budget cuts meaning their ability to fund equipment such as this is much more difficult especially considering the high cost associated with specialist equipment.
The equipment, which cost £2,500, is designed to be used in small group sessions encouraging learning, development and learning to manage their emotional and sensory needs.
The school invited the Sunshine Team to come along to see the equipment unveiled at a school assembly.
Teacher Marie Booth was in charge of hand selecting the bespoke equipment.
She said: "Seeing the boxes full of equipment that would enrich the lives of pupils was so exciting and sharing the magic with the pupils was unequivocal.
"We now have the capacity to support children with multiple sensory needs, enabling pupils who struggle with mainstream school life opportunities for calm throughout their busy day.
"All of the equipment is movable so de-stimulation can be provided within the classrooms as well as the sensory room, inclusion has never been so easy and we are already reaping the rewards with calmer, happier children.
"I would recommend all schools to support the Sunshine Fund, who support children at home and school to maximise opportunities within their lives."
Rachel Kaczmar, Family Coordinator for the fund added: "We were thrilled to be invited to view the unboxing assembly at the school.
"Marie had set up a magic show where another member of staff was controlling some of the equipment unbeknown to the children, who thought they were controlling a colour changing ball with their voices.
"Their gasps of excitement and awe when the bubble tube was turned on brought tears to my eyes, it was a really magical moment and reinforced just how valuable equipment like this is."
