New Send school welcomes its first pupils

The school was developed in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council

A new school for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) has been officially opened.

Tiffield Academy near Towcester in Northamptonshire will teach about 230 pupils aged between four and 18 years old, with the first group starting on Monday.

It was funded with £21m of support from West Northamptonshire Council as part of its programme to offer more than 600 new specialist education places.

Principal Emma Butler said: "It really is an incredible facility and hopefully it is going to give our kids incredible learning opportunities to really thrive in life."

Principal Emma Butler said she was looking forward to the pupils' arrival

Ms Butler said the school catered for pupils who faced communication challenges and learning difficulties.

"There are a lot of things we can put in place to overcome those barriers but it really is about working towards our values, for our kids to be kind, curious, and ambitious, to have the best opportunities when they leave us," she added.

The school features dedicated teaching spaces, a hall and drama studio, a soft playroom, sensory rooms, a therapy room, and outdoor play areas.

It is part of the Greenwood Academies Trust, which has 38 academies across the East Midlands.

Sensory rooms were installed as part of the project

Reform UK councillor Kathryn Shaw said: "Tiffield Academy will make a real and lasting difference to children with additional and complex needs, offering high-quality educational support in a safe, inclusive and purpose-built environment, right here in their local community."

As part of the opening, people were given a tour, and the ribbon was cut by a pupil from another Send school within the trust.