Children from special needs schools in Hertfordshire performed in the Radlett Centre today (From Watford Observer)

Children from special needs schools in Hertfordshire performed in the Radlett Centre today

3:31pm Wednesday 25th November 2009

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Performers from Hertfordshire special needs schools performed in a day-long extravaganza which saw Dr Who and EastEnders cast members roaming the Radlett Centre today.

Julie Banes, organiser, said: “This event gives children with really quite profound difficulties a chance to really perform.

“It's a moment of their lives they'll never forget, they're finally getting the applause they deserve.”

Pupils from schools including Breakspear, Hillcrest, Colnbrook, Lakeside, Chantry, St Lukes, Watling View and Woodfield performed dances and shows in the event organised by charity Variety Club.

Val Hall, a teacher at Colnbrook, said: “We have children with significant learning difficulties, they are all very individual and it's challenging meeting their needs.

“You can't really take the national strategy as it stands, it has to be tailored for each student to keep them challenged.”

Sally Budd, a Colnbrook classroom teacher who also teaches dance and physical education and helped organise the school's dance titled “What a Card”, said: “Each of out kids had a big playing card and they shuffled themselves and arranged themselves into different hands.

“It's important they get to watch other performers too and they've been making very relevant comments about appreciating other people's work.

Two life-size Daleks were driven around the lobby and actor Derek Martin was also on hand to watch the children's performances.

Mr Martin, who plays Charlie Slater in EastEnders, said: “I've got two kids of my own, and I've always been interested in the charity.

"I always try to make an appearance because it's fantastic to help out at something like this whenever you can.”

For more information visit www.varietyclub.org.uk.

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