PLANS to create a new school in Malvern for children with autism have been welcomed by a charity based in the town.

This week, the government's Free School Programme announced Worcestershire County Council's bid for capital funding to build the new school had been successful.

The news has been welcomed by ARCOS (the Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills), which has had its headquarters in the town for decades.

Clinical director Kay Coombes said: "This is great news for Malvern and for the wider community.

READ MORE: Free school for children with autism to be built in Malvern

“We are extremely grateful to our MP, Harriett Baldwin, for her dedicated support for this project, and to councillor Tracey Onslow, cabinet member with responsibility for education and her team at Worcestershire County Council, who put so much hard work into making the funding bid a success.”

ARCOS, based in Malvern since 1992, was set up to improve quality of life for disabled children and adults with difficulties in communication and/or swallowing.

A number of ARCOS clients over the years have had autism, and the ARCOS team has had a wealth of experience in helping them and supporting their parents and carers.

Kay said: “When the school is built, the ARCOS team is looking forward to contributing to this much-needed initiative.”

The new special free school will provide 120 full-time places for pupils aged five to 19 with autism.

The plan is to enable them to engage with a mainstream curriculum with extra support, and also benefit from a specific environment and staff dedicated to a holistic approach, according to the county council.

The capital funding for the new school will be provided from the government’s Free School Programme.

The school will also have a remit to provide outreach, which will focus on practical, specific strategies and resources to improve Quality First Teaching across Worcestershire settings.

It will be based in Malvern’s Poolbrook area, close to Barnards Green, at the existing Sunshine Children's Centre in Bluebell Close.