New SEND school provides 'vital' places for Medway

Rivermead has accepted 30 pupils since September

A new multi-million pound school has opened to ease pressure on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) spaces in Medway.

Parents have told the BBC the difference in their children's happiness has been like "night and day" since they started attending Rivermead at Stoke school in September.

However, school leaders said more places must be created in the midst of what they call a "national crisis" for SEND.

The Department for Education (DfE) said it was determined to "deliver a better system that supports children and families at every stage".

Staff say it is the school's "family atmosphere" that helps pupils thrive

Helen, a mum at the school, said: "My daughter Kira came from a mainstream school and the school was amazing, I can't fault them for the amount of effort and care.

"However, this school is just fantastic for her, it's worlds apart to the point where she used to come back crying from school and now in the holidays she counts down the days until she can go back because she just loves it so much."

The new £2.9m facility, overseen by the Rivermead Inclusive Trust, opens up an extra 100 spaces for children with autism and complex associated needs across Medway.

The trust worked with Medway Council, Stoke Parish Council and the local community to launch the new school, which has facilities including a science lab, food design room, art room and break out rooms.

Shelley Campbell, head of school, said: "Preparation for adulthood is what we're all about here."

"Everything we're gearing up for isn't just about qualifications, it's that holistic and personal development as well."

Pupils can enjoy new science and technology labs

Tina Lovey, CEO of the trust, said there was a "national crisis" and that some children "really struggled".

"Parents don't want their child at home, they want their child in full-time education and I will continue to campaign, working with the local authority, to get as many places as possible," she said.

The DfE said the government had "inherited a SEND system on its knees, with thousands of families struggling to secure the right support".

"We're determined to put that right and deliver a better system that supports children and families at every stage," added the spokesperson.