A school for pupils with profound, severe and complex needs is asking parents to join a group to help it raise funds for new equipment and experiences.

Meadowfield School in Sittingbourne is hoping to revive its Friends of Meadowfield group, inviting new members who can offer support and guidance for its fundraising efforts.

Graham Richards, head of secondary at the Swanstree Avenue school, said they hoped to offer more to pupils.

He said: “The school is in a position at the moment that we’re not exactly flush.

“Most of our pupils are from the local area and we’ve never had massive funding before.

“There have been a lot of things on my wish list over the last five years but they’ve not come to fruition.”

A similar school in Maidstone, Five Acre Wood, has a successful fundraising arm, says Mr Richards, which they are hoping to emulate.

Staff used to be able to organise activities such as dry slope skiing and horse riding, which were particularly successful for pupils with autism. He also wants to use funds to revamp the school’s gym, as the equipment has become outdated.

It is estimated the work could cost up to £10,000.

Mr Richards said: “Most of our pupils also never have the opportunity to go away in the summer as most trips offered are for mainstream pupils.

“It’s very difficult to find anything which will particularly engage them for the six weeks.”

Other money would go towards getting camping equipment for the school’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes, Lego sets for learning.

Mr Richards said the ultimate dream is taking a group of pupils to Disneyland.

It is hoped the Friends of Meadowfield group will help get the ball rolling to raise money for the 260 youngsters at the school.