CHILDREN with special needs are being integrated into mainstream education thanks to a new centre at Chesterton Primary School in Cirencester.

The school’s brand new Communication and Interaction Unit, which was officially opened on Wednesday November 18 by the mayor of Cirencester Mark Harris, offers children aged four to 11 with autism and speech and language difficulties specialist support.Included in the centre is a sensory room where the children can enjoy stimulation and a ‘safe space,’ an area where children with autism can relax away from other children.

One of the first users of the centre is Matthew Simpkins, who has been attending the unit since September after being home schooled for two years.

His father Mark said Matthew  has become much happier since joining the school.

Mr Simpkins said: “He absolutely loves it.He started off in a mainstream school but because of his behavioural problems he was in danger of being excluded and the best thing to do was to home school him. Since he has been here he has won two awards for doing his best.He is really quite happy.”

Children who attend the centre also spend time in classes at Chesterton Primary School and teachers hope that children who attend the centre will eventually join mainstream classes permanently.

At the opening, representatives from  the Cirencester wealth management firm St James's Place  presented the school with a cheque for £11,200 as a donation towards specialist equipment for the unit.