EDUCATION bosses say they are unable to pay for a hydrotherapy pool for a special needs school because it's too expensive.

Maplewood School, in Cressex, High Wycombe, is now trying desperately to raise more than £500,000 for the pool at its new site in Downley.

Pupils at the school have both sensory and physical disabilities as well as learning difficulties, and a hydrotherapy pool is essential for their physiotherapy programmes.

For some of the children it is the only movement they ever experience.

Hazel Howe, chairman of the Parents, Staff and Friends Association, said: "Parents raised the money for the pool we have at the moment. So now we are having to fundraise all over again.

"But people are asking us why aren't the Department for Education paying for it."

The pupils and staff are due to move to the new school building early next year and their total has only reached just over £20,000 after months of fundraising.

"We are getting worried because unless a miracle happens we aren't going to get it in time," said Mrs Howe.

TV celebrity Lorraine Kelly, from Cookham, is patron of the charity and visited the school to launch the appeal.

She said: "The pool is so important for these children. We have tried every avenue. We can't get money from Children In Need or the lottery," said Mrs Howe. "At the moment it doesn't look like we'll make it."

A spokesman for the DfEE said: "The final decision rests with the local education authority. It was given money for better facilities for the school and there was a capital expenditure fund so the decision needs to be taken by the local authority."

Alan Gale, education officer in Buckinghamshire County Council's school organisation team, said £500,000 is not within its power to give.

He said: "The DfEE will only give the minimal provision. Unfortunately when it comes to half a million pounds and it's not a requirement for that size and type of facility they want, we cannot provide the funding. We would love to support the school."

If anyone would like to help the school contact (01494) 525728