The Essex Autistic Society has revealed plans for a new 6m school for autistic children in response to increasing demand for special school places from local authorities and parents.
Chief executive Clive Stobbs said: "Over a 15-month period we have had 65 written referrals from over 30 local education authorities. That does not take into account the number of phone enquiries from parents, which is the same, if not more." The society currently runs the only specialist school in Essex for children with autistic spectrum disorders. Doucecroft school in Kelvedon has facilities for 26 children aged between two and 16-years-old.
If Colchester Borough Council gives planning permission for the new school at Abbotts Hall, on the outskirts of Colchester, the society will be able to cater for 64 children - an increase of nearly 40 places.
It hopes the new school will be ready by September 2005.
- www.essexautistic.org.uk.
