School for autistic children gets green light

Plans have been approved for a new purpose-built school for up to 180 autistic pupils.

Woodley School and College, which is currently based at Dog Kennel Bank in Huddersfield, will relocate to a site in Fernside Avenue, Almondbury.

The facility would offer an improved environment designed to better support pupils aged five to 19 and enable access to specialist education locally, Kirklees Council said.

Jane Rylah, the council's cabinet member for education, said: "The new school will provide a tailored environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential."

Work began in May to clear the site, with construction preparations now under way.

Rylah said securing planning permission for the project had been "a significant milestone".

"Woodley School delivers excellent education and support, and this new purpose-built facility will allow us to extend that offer to even more children and young people," she said.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the build progress and the positive impact this investment will bring to families across Kirklees."

The investment is part of Kirklees Council's wider commitment to transforming support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Alongside Woodley, work is under way to rebuild and relocate Joseph Norton Academy, which supports pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Additional SEND places are being created across other schools in the district.