New £750,000 autism centre plans for Reading

A new specialist centre for primary school children with autism is set to be created in Berkshire.

The facility could be built at Christ the King Catholic Primary School, in Whitley, near Reading, and accommodate 10 children from across the town.

They would be taught within a mainstream school with extra support.

If the plans are approved by the council in January, work on the £750,000 centre is set to start in April.

The children, who have been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), would be based in the new centre but would join mainstream classes for some of their lessons.

Reading Borough Council said feedback from parents, who attended a special open evening in November, had been "very positive and supportive".

Head teacher John Cosgrove said: "The new centre fits well with our school's basic values of mutual respect, valuing the experience and needs of all children and appreciating every child's unique gifts.

"It will provide a safe environment where children can progress at their own pace and to the maximum of their ability."