Work to start on £2m unit at autism school

[Guest guest]

Work to start on £2m unit at autism school

Whitehouse

BRITAIN'S largest school for pupils with autism, in the Dearne Valley, is to expand further with a new residential unit costing £2m.

Ogden School, at Thurnscoe, is run by the National Autistic Society and a programme of fundraising activities is now being devised to raise the money for the unit.The school has been operating for the last 30 years and has been on its current site in Clayton Lane, which was donated by Sir Ogden, since 1999.At present the school has 127 pupils, some of whom require 24-hour care. The residential complex will provide a permanent home for those children and will be specially designed to meet their needs.Although the NAS still has to raise money for the construction costs, work will start today, when the first earth will be cut in a special ceremony.School principal Gillian said: "I am looking forward to cutting the first earth for our new residential unit."We owe a tremendous amount to local people and businesses."The school has been transformed into a fully functional resource with state-of-the-art equipment. Children with autism are provided with a specialist education including training in life skills that prepare them for the world and ensure they are given every possible chance to fulfil their potential."The NAS acting regional director for north and central England, Eileen Hopkins, said: "The Ogden School continues to go from strength to strength."This purpose-built accommodation is an essential resource that will enable the school to continue to provide the best possible care for its current pupils and to help many more families living with autism."paul.whitehouse@...

28 April 2006

« Previous Page

Next »

Page 1 of 1