New school for vulnerable children opens in Theale
Published: 13:15, 02 October 2023
Updated: 13:15, 02 October 2023
A new school for children unable to enter mainstream education has opened in West Berkshire.
Haywards Farm School, in Theale, held its open day on Friday, September 29 from 2pm until 4pm.
The new school — opened to combat the shortage of specialist schools — provides a bespoke learning environment for children with conditions such as autism, attention deficit and hyperactive disorders, cognitive brain delay and trauma.
The school is run by Amegreen, which provides children’s homes across Berkshire and Hampshire.
The home care service says it opened the school in direct response to the Government’s Special Educational Needs and Disability and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan — a national curriculum-based, non-private alternative to mainstream education, which requires referrals from Local Authorities.
In addition, the Government has announced it will be investing £2.6 billion to fund new places and improve existing provisions between 2022 and 2025.
Headteacher at Haywards Farm School, Alex Wash, said: “To be the headteacher of such a forward-thinking, nurturing therapeutic primary school is a real privilege.
“We aim to give our children the very best start to their educational journey, developing a lifelong love of learning, ready for independence and the wonderful next stages of education.
“If you would like to visit the school, we would warmly welcome you to arrange a school visit.”
Based in a former farm building, the property has been let to Amegreen by Englefield Estate.
Head of rural property and land at Englefield Estate, James Meade, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Amegreen to transform this former farmhouse into a small bespoke school for children with additional needs.
“It is an inspiring and functional space and we are pleased to be able to help address the local need for specialist schools in the area.”
Amegreen also provides equine therapy at its stables in Berkshire, which pupils at Haywards Farm will have the opportunity to benefit from.