Wheelchair training helps pupils support classmate

Teacher Emily Woods says Ernie is a "fantastic" pupil to have in the classroom

Pupils whizzed around on wheelchairs for the day as they learned what life was like for a popular classmate.

The activities was organised at Lawford Primary School, near Manningtree in Essex, by the parents of Year 2 student Ernie.

The seven-year-old said he was "really happy and excited" to have his friends perform stunts alongside him on Monday.

"I'm an expert on wheelchairs and I want them to be experts too," said Ernie, who helped to lead two-wheeled obstacle courses and a spot of wheelchair dancing.

His father Gary paid for charity Go Kids Go to deliver the wheelchair training to as many pupils as possible.

Gary said it was "amazing" to see Ernie's peers throw themselves into the challenge.

Ernie said he loved watching his friends do wheelies

"Ernie's been showing all the kids what it's like for him – how to help him, how to play safely, how to adapt things so it can be inclusive," he said.

"I think they'll take away how it's good fun for him in a wheelchair but sometimes it can be a struggle and quite tiring.

"It's really important for the other children to understand what Ernie experiences day-to-day.

"When he needs some help they'll now safely know how to approach him."

Ernie became the school's first ever pupil to use a wheelchair when he joined three years ago.

The youngster said he hoped his friends could understand it was "really scary" going up and down kerbs.

However, he loved seeing how some were "really good at doing wheelies".

Pupils got to grips with what life was like in a wheelchair during a day of activities

Among those navigating school on two wheels for a day was Layla, who said: "It was quite fun but it can be very difficult."

The pupils' efforts left a lasting impression on Ernie's teacher Emily Woods, who said it made her a better professional.

Praising Ernie, she added: "He's absolutely fantastic, he is so sparkly.

"He's got fantastic energy, he's really hard-working and it's just been lovely to watch him grow."