Remembrance Day 2018: Outdoor assembly is part of schools' tribute to the war deadÂ

More than 250 clay poppies were made by pupils, staff, and parents from Heathfield Special School and St Francis Special School. An outdoor Remembrance Assembly was held at Heathfield School to unveil the exhibition on Friday morning. 

Executive headteacher Steve Hollinghurst, 59, said: 'Our families may find it hard to go to large events, so it was important they had a Remembrance event they could attend with their children.

'We have a number of parents who are in the Armed Services. We had an extremely moving minutes silence.'

Children from both schools were inspired by trips to the Fort Nelson Poppy Wave earlier in the year. Artwork created from their visits has been included in exhibitions at Winchester Cathedral and Gosport Discovery Centre to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. 

Sandra Heath, arts specialist at Heathfield School, said: 'We've been really, really busy since school started in September.

'I have been dreaming about poppies. They have taken over my life.

'Looking at our wave, I am so proud of the children.' 

The clay flowers will be a lasting memorial for each child to take home at the end of the remembrance weekend.

 The assembly was attended by Susan Bayford, mayor of Fareham, and Susan Allman, vicar of St Peter's Church in Titchfield. 

The Federation of Heathfield and St Francis Special Schools supports more than 220 pupils aged two to 19 with special educational needs.