Alternative provision free schools approved in West and South Yorkshire

Across England, 20 alternative provision free schools have been given the green light by government ministers

Four new alternative provision (AP) free schools for West and South Yorkshire have been given the go-ahead.

The schools cater for pupils of compulsory school age whose needs cannot be met in mainstream schools.

The government has approved Delta Academies Trust's plans for three AP schools for pupils aged eight to 16 in Kirklees, Calderdale and Barnsley.

Meanwhile, the Minerva Learning Trust will run one in Sheffield for pupils aged four to 16.

Across England, 20 AP free schools were given the green light by government ministers out of 43 applications.

Among those rejected were The New Start Academy in Sheffield, Riverside Academy in Kirklees and Leeds Alternative Provision Academy.

The government previously said it would prioritise applications from areas where none of the existing AP schools were rated "good" or "outstanding" by Ofsted, or where no AP schools currently exist.

Local authorities are responsible for arranging suitable education for permanently excluded children or children who cannot attend school due to illness or other reasons.

'Part of a community'

Kirklees Council, Calderdale Council and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council said they were all "delighted" to be working with Delta Academies Trust.

The trust said it would offer academic and technical subjects which would be "underpinned" by pastoral support and care.

Jo Pittard, the trust's executive principal, said: "Our vision is for students to feel safe, valued and part of a community, so that they develop a sense of self-belief, aspiration and pride in their ability and achievements."

Kirklees Council said about 100 places would be available at the new school, which was likely to be based in an existing building, while Calderdale would receive a "brand new, purpose-built facility".

Sheffield City Council said the government's decision to fund the school in Sheffield was "most welcome", adding it would work to deliver "the best possible facility" for children.

It has not yet been confirmed when the schools, funded by the Department for Education, will open.