Long-awaited special needs unit opens in Northampton

Shelbie Read, one of the teachers, said the facilities would "build our children's independence"

An "amazing unit" for children with special needs has been opened at a primary school.

The facility, known as The Nest, at Chiltern Primary School, Northampton, was due to be built at a different site but the project was hit by delays.

An alternative had to be found within a few months and could not be ready for the start of term.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) said it was working to tackle a lack of special school places.

Parents in the county have complained that, even when they had a diagnosis for their child, and an official report outlining the provision they needed, suitable places were not available in the county.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) announced that 50 places would be provided at Hunsbury Park Primary School for children with autism, with a first phase for pupils up to year two and the second for years three to six.

The proposed unit for 50 children at Hunsbury Park Primary School was delayed

The first phase, with 20 places, opened last November but parents were told in July that there were construction problems with the second phase and it would have to be provided at Chiltern Primary School in Duston instead.

The new 30-place unit at Chiltern Primary was officially opened this week by Fiona Baker, WNC's cabinet member for children and education.

"It has been a challenge. The situation we found ourselves to be was no fault of ours but we have managed to turn this around," she said.

She added that the new facilities "look amazing".

Fiona Baker, WNC cabinet member for children and education, said the project had been a challenge

The Nest is a replica of the unit at Hunsbury Park Primary School, and some of the staff have also moved, so children moving from there will recognise the environment and see faces they recognise.

The classes are small, with between six and nine pupils, and there are breakout areas for children who need time outside the classroom.

Teacher Shelbie Read said children were enjoying their new playground: "It's lots of bright colours, really engaging for the children, we've got the water, the mirrors, the climbing frame.

"It's really building our children's independence and it's a really exciting space for them."

Sergio, aged six, said the play area was "fantastic" and he particularly liked the "jumpy" trampoline.