A NEW school for children with autism spectrum disorder is opening in Malvern.
Following a successful bid from Worcestershire County Council, the new special school will provide 120 full time places for pupils aged five to 19 who are able to engage with a mainstream curriculum with extra support.
The free school will offer specific environments and trained staff who are dedicated to a holistic approach in order to benefit the pupils.
The funding for the new school is being provided from the Government’s Free School Programme.
They aim to have a remit to provide outreach which will focus on practical, specific strategies and resources to improve Quality First Teaching across Worcestershire.
The planned location for the new school in Malvern is on a site that was previously a primary school.
Currently, the site is leased out to several providers who will be working with Worcestershire County Council to support the relocation or co-location of those services.
The final choice of who will run the new school is being decided by the Secretary of State for Education.
Coun Tracey Onslow, cabinet member with responsibility for education, said: “We know that more tailored facilities in Worcestershire for those with special educational needs are key to how we move things forward and improve provision here, so this is great news both now and as we look into the future.
“Good quality specialist provision has a significant role in ensuring that children are educated in the right place at the right time with the right level of support, helping children to go on and reach their full potential.”
Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire said: “This is wonderful news which I know will be welcomed by the parents who have reached out to me about the challenges of supporting their children with autism.”
