Jan 13, 2024, Manchester Evening News: New 50-place special school to open at former health centre
NW England
The school, will offer much needed special education for youngsters with autistic spectrum conditions
A new special school at a former health centre will create up to 50 much needed school spaces for children with autistic spectrum conditions. Bolton’s planning committee have unanimously approved the proposals for the former Little Lever Health Centre on Mytham Road,
Applicants Your Chapter Ltd said the school will cater for young people with special needs who are likely to have a diagnosis of high functioning autism. Addressing the committee, Lee Canbury, on behalf of the school, said: “The school will be particularity for children with autistic spectrum conditions.
“Selecting this site was part of a joint report with the NHS and Bolton Council. At the time of the report there was a shortfall of around 213 such school places and that will have risen to around 400 by today….
The school will cater for up to 50 young people from the ages of nine to 16 – providing full time education in a therapeutic environment. Your Chapter operates around 20 sites across the North West, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Wales.
Their website states they aim to provide a ‘welcoming and supportive environment where young people can feel at home’. A design and access statement in support of the plans, said: “The vision is to help children and young people to develop their social independence and educational skills so that they can fulfil their aspirations and potential.
