Specialist autism school ready to welcome pupils

The former Rycote Centre has been converted into a new school site

A new school which caters for pupils with autism is to open in a former community centre in Derby.

Aurora Ryefields School opens on Thursday in Parker Street in the former Rycote Centre, which had been empty since the pandemic.

Derby City Council had relocated the Derby Adult Learning Service, Derby Deaf Club and British Deaf Association before agreeing to sell off the site in 2023 rather than pick up a £600,000 repair bill.

The three-storey 1970s building has now been taken over and refurbished inside and out.

Work has been carried out inside and out of the building

Aurora Group has installed solar panels on the roof, a new outdoor games area, and car and cycle parking.

The new school has the capacity for up to 72 students aged up to 19 years, with five pupils initially starting between five and 14.

Head teacher Paul Foxton said Aurora Ryefields will then slowly introduce students over the coming months to create "a safe, nurturing and inspiring" school.

He said: "We're really excited. This has been a project which started last year and has taken a long time to come through, and we're ready for those kids to walk through the door and start teaching a few lessons.

"All our students have a primary diagnosis of high-functioning autism spectrum conditions and associated social, emotional and mental health needs.

"We're committed to delivering positive outcomes for them and creating the appropriate environment to meet their needs."