A NEW purpose-built centre to support children with autism is set to open this month.

Honywoods School in Coggeshall is one of eight schools in Essex to receive £300,000 a year from the Local Education Authority.

The school recognised an increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism, and the demand for specialist provision is high.

The Autism Support Centres in Essex aim to address the gap in provision for those children who could only access a mainstream school curriculum with specialist support.

The Autism Support Centre at Honywood will provide 15 places.

Henry Cordy-McKenna, lead teacher for autism at Honywood, said: “This is a fantastic step forward in the provision of specialist mainstream education for children and young people with autism in Essex.

"For a number of years there has been increasing awareness of autism in mainstream schools, but the understanding of how to provide a fully inclusive learning and social environment has lagged behind.

"Mainstream schools can be confusing and often overwhelming places for many youngsters with autism.

"For some the anxiety this causes can seriously affect their attendance, self-esteem and social development.

"These support centres will provide a safe learning environment and allow them to access the mainstream school at their own pace.”

Children admitted to the Autism Support Centre will have an Education, Health and Care Plan, showing complex and additional needs related to autism.

Simon Mason, headteacher, said: “We are delighted that Essex County Council has invested in this fantastic new resource for learners in our community. "We will do all we can to provide the best possible education for these learners and are inspired by the chance to do so in such an exceptional learning environment.”