Funding for specialist school in Erith approved (From News Shopper)

Funding for specialist school in Erith approved

11:46am Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Bexley By Abigail Woodcock

FUNDING for a specialist school for pupils who are on the autistic spectrum has been approved.

Bexley Council gave the go ahead for £6.5m to be used to transform the former Colyers School site in Colyers Lane, Erith to provide specialist facilities.

The school will become part of Woodside School in Halt Robin Road, Belvedere with 120 pupils transferring from the Woodside site to the Erith site.

Woodside is one of the largest special schools in the country and of its 200 pupils, around 45 per cent have autistic spectrum disorder.

The new site in Erith will be extended and refurbished to provide additional classrooms, special behaviour suites and a multi-functional school hall.

A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a play area and onsite parking will also be installed.

Head teacher of Woodside School, Audrey Chamberlain said: “This is a significant investment which will better meet the needs of Bexley pupils.

“The Erith site will offer high quality educational provision of which parents and pupils will be very proud.”

Subject to planning, the new school will be open to students in September 2013.

It will provide places for pupils between seven and 16 years old, key stages two to four.

The council says it should result in annual savings by reducing the need to place pupils in specialist schools outside Bexley.

Chairman of governors at Woodside School, Councillor Brad Smith said: “This project means we will be able to offer high quality facilities in Bexley, rather than having to send pupils to sites outside of the borough.

“I am delighted that our hard work has paid off and look forward to the next steps.”