EIGHT new specialist autism centres are to be opened up across Essex.

The centres will be split within primary and secondary schools.

They will be set up at Tendring Technology College, Hamford Primary Academy, in Walton, Kelvedon St Mary’s Primary Academy, and Honywood Community Science School, in Coggeshall.

Four specialist school-led autism spectrum disorder (ASD) hubs have also been set up - including one at Market Field School in Elmstead Market - which will work to develop autism expertise with the Essex Specialist Teacher Service and Educational Psychology Service.

The hubs will provide outreach services and ensure pupils with autism who attend mainstream schools, particularly at secondary level, receive enhanced support.

For pupils with more severe autism, extra places are being created as part of Essex Council’s record £85milllion investment in specialist schools.

Gary Smith, headteacher at Market Field School, said he dreamt up this idea about five years ago when helping create an autism strategy.

He said: “It’s about trying to create an ethos pupils can thrive in and also getting the environment right.

"It could be as simple as having low arousal rooms which aren’t too noisy or visual, but it comes back to understanding and not being judgemental.

“As a school we’re very excited and we hope the hub will be successful.”

Headteacher Mike Walsh, at Kelvedon St Mary’s school, said: “It has been a privilege to welcome our first children and witness the impact, under the skilled leadership of my inclusion leader Melissa Raymond, the provision is already having on improving the lives of these children, their families and the huge benefits all our children have experienced as a result.”

Admissions will be managed by the council’s statutory assessment service.

Ray Gooding, councillor responsible for education and lifelong learning, said the council is committed to making sure every school child gets the best possible education.

Gazette:

Making plans - Ray Gooding

“A growing number of children in the county are being diagnosed with autism and it’s vital we have the specialist facilities and expertise in place to meet their needs, whether in a mainstream or special school,” he said.

“I’m delighted we’re now officially opening a new network of autism support centres across Essex, which will allow pupils to be educated alongside their peers in mainstream schools.

“Moving forward, it’s vital mainstream and special schools work more closely together and I’m pleased we’re now taking a huge stride towards this goal.”

  •  World Autism Awareness Week is from March 27 until April 2. For the full list of activities across Essex, click here.