Life Skills Manor School, for children with autism, has opened in Sandwich

A learning centre specially for pupils with autism has begun teaching.

Life Skills Manor School, at Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, formally opened on the first day of the spring term on Monday, January 4.

Pupils will study core academic subjects but also have their life skill- based lessons, focused on areas such as social and communication skills.

They will also learn practical skills such as through preparing their own meals.

According to the Kent Commissioning Plan 2021-2025, the need for specialist placements in Kent is increasing each year by 14.8%.

Autistic Spectrum Disorder remains the most common primary need type with 41.2% of children and young people with an Education and Health Care Plan having ASD identified as their primary need.

Headteacher, Paul Barrett explains that the new school will help to meet the needs of children that are not coping in mainstream education.

Life Skills Manor School, on agreement from the Department of Education, has begun with 22 places for pupils aged 10 to 16 with an EHCP and primary diagnosis of autism.

It hopes to expand to 46 pupils by September 2023