Educational support provision set to double capacity

Article date: 23 March 2022

De La Salle School's scheme will double its capacity by 20 spaces to provide support for 40 pupils after councillors approved the plans at Cabinet today, Wednesday.

The approval will see funding to support the expansion, which includes physical development of the existing school site and now that the programme has been accepted a planning application will be submitted in due course.

Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Education, said: "The Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) Resourced Provision is already making a difference to the pupils at De La Salle School by providing them with the right kind of support they need to succeed.

"This provision means that pupils can continue with mainstream education while getting the enhanced help that can nurture their development. As a council we want to do all we can to make sure that young people get the best start in life and education is a key part of growing aspirations for every young person in our borough."

Councillor Nova Charlton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added: "Families really value having support close to home and it enables young people who need additional help the chance to benefit from a mainstream education at the same time.

"We're determined to make the most of the assets we already have like at De La Salle and the expansion to help even more families is a win for everyone. It will also complement the soon to be opened primary resource provisions at Wargrave and Grange Valley primary schools."

Andrew Rennard, Headteacher at De La Salle School said: "Our ASC Base lies at the heart of our Lasallian ethos and three of our core values: Respect for all Persons, Inclusive Community and Quality Education.

"As such, it has been a real success in many ways. Firstly by allowing young people with autism to successfully access mainstream education in a supported and structured way.

"However, the wider school community has also benefited as our teaching and support staff have become much more knowledgeable and skilled at supporting students with autism and, just as importantly, increasing awareness, acceptance and understanding amongst all of our students around neurodiversity. We look forward to this exciting opportunity."