A SCHOOL for children with special educational needs is hoping to provide more work opportunities by building a farm.

The Market Field Learning Community at Market Field School hopes to get young people with learning difficulties trained and ready for working life.

The school in Elmstead Market has come together with the Ark Therapy Centre for children with autism and Market Field College, to form the Market Field Learning Community.

The Market Field Farm, if approved, will be registered as a Community Interest Company and the team is now looking for potential sites around Colchester.

They plan to present the idea to Colchester Council’s Local Plan committee on November 12, and already have support from Essex University, Beth Chatto Education Trust and others.

Headteacher Gary Smith is supporting the project alongside project manager Naomi Andrews.

Mrs Andrews said: “The intention is the business will provide continued education, support and employment opportunities for young adults with special educational needs.

“It will also provide the community with jobs, community space, a cultural hub, access to fresh food, and the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and help with the conservation of wildlife.

“They would also encourage commerce in the area with a café, shop and garden centre.”

The farm will be Ofsted registered, to offer an educational element, including NVQs and City and Guilds diplomas.

It will provide occupational therapy and productive activities for children and adults, and will look to secure job opportunities for them.

It is also hoped there will be a mix of accommodation on the site, offering respite, short stay and long term homes.

Mrs Andrews said: “We will provide real work opportunities and training, and ensure productive therapeutic activities, with measured outcomes, are available for people with profound learning difficulties.

“We will offer transition, respite, emergency and long term living options on site.

“We will welcome and encourage the public to our farm - visiting our cafe, shop, garden centre and undertaking wildlife walks.”

It is hoped the farm could see a financial turnover of £568,000 in three years, with the costs of paying staff being up to £214,000 each year.