The playground opened a week ago to the delight of the pupils and will primarily be used by 42 support unit students and 30 kids in the Warrae Wanni Pride of School program.

Support class assistant principal Jan Ireland said planning for the playground started five years ago.

“Kids with autism need sensory input and playing in this playground allows that,” Mrs Ireland said.

“It meets their sensory needs and creates body awareness, helps with coordination, gross motor skills and also encourages communication development.

“It’s an outlet for them and they’re more settled when they come back inside.

“The kids love it.”

Muswellbrook South Public School principal Glen Kite said the playground project wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the P&C.

“The project was P&C initiated and driven,” Mr Kite said.

Current P&C president Gina Philpott, who is also the canteen supervisor, said the past P&C president, Helen Datson, was “like a dog with a bone” on the issue of having the playground built.

“At every setback the P&C kept pushing and wouldn’t give up on it,” Mrs Philpott said.

The P&C holds a fete every second year and the proceeds from the 2015 event went towards the playground.

In 2017, the group provided a defibrillator and marquees for the sporting houses and this year has funded a new long jump pit and cover and $4000 worth of reading resources for Years 4, 5 and 6.

Next on the list is a shade sail for the playground and fans for the hall.

“There are 550 students and the P&C is a committee of eight,” Mrs Philpott said.

“It’s definitely a small, hardworking committee, we would love some more members.”