A specialist residential home for youngsters with autism is celebrating a new £12,500 extension.
A specialist residential home for youngsters with autism is celebrating a new £12,500 extension.
The conservatory at Clement Lodge in Sidestrand was built thanks to a £9,000 grant from The Wooden Spoon Children's Charity of Rugby.
It provides extra space for the youngsters at the six-bedroom home to take part in group activities.
Residential manager Simon Yockney, said: 'There was not enough space so we decided a conservatory would be a brilliant addition. It is a lovely space, and great for group games.'
The residential home is part of Sidestrand Hall School, which caters for children with complex needs.
It is the only council-provided residential provision in Norfolk for children with autism.
Wooden Spoon's eastern counties chairman Séamus Farrelly, said the home had 'ticked all the boxes' to qualify for a grant.
He added: 'Norfolk being out on a limb, it doesn't always get a look in.
'It is great to see the result of the grant, especially when you see the looks in those children's faces.'
Mr Yockney said: 'When I got in touch with Séamus, he came out to see us. He was more interested in what we do rather than just sending out a cheque.'
The home aims to keep children with autism in the county, and closer to their families.
It provides care during term time, meaning youngsters return home in school holidays and weekends.
The boys at the home go to the Sidestrand School, and return to Clement Lodge at the end of the day.
They have free use of the new extension, which looks out over the garden and across to the sea.
Mr Yockney said: 'My staff are buzzing from it. Care is suffering, we only hear the bad news. This simple space creates smiles on people's faces.
'We are a little place and it is nice for a national charity to have recognised us and helped us develop.
'It is easy to be swept aside and not to be seen because we are not big enough.
'There is hard work and people are doing the best they can for children in this county.'
The conservatory will be officially opened on January 26 by former English rugby union player Phil Vickery.
The conservatory was built by Horsford Windows and Conservatories, in Cromer.
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