A SMART touch-sensitive multi-user electronic table is now helping children with autism at the specialist Jigsaw School at Dunsfold Park, thanks to a £7,500 grant from leading software company SAP.

The 42-inch screen gives access to 1,500 interactive multi-user games and other imaginative educational activities linked to the National Curriculum.

Emma Hawkins, director of education, said: “The possibilities for fun learning are endless – from sliding animal pictures across the table to match habitats, to following a trail of clues or mapping the human body.

“Use of the smart table will develop pupils’ social interaction skills, turn-taking and working with others. Everyday things that people with autism find particularly challenging.”

The table can be moved easily from class to class and is also accessible to pupils in a wheelchair or with restricted motor skills, which means it can be used by every child at Jigsaw.

“We are so grateful to SAP for funding this fantastic new resource,” Jigsaw fundraising officer Steven Morgan added.

“The addition of the smart table continues Jigsaw’s constant exploration of technology to support pupils and staff. Many non-verbal pupils now use Apple iPads for communication, thanks again to funding from SAP in 2012.

“We are also trialling an electronic home-school communication system to replace the written books, and Facebook is used for a parents forum.”