Plans unveiled for new specialist autism school

A proposal has been submitted to open a new free school for children with autism, due to become operational in Barnet in September 2018, if approved by the Department for Education (DfE).

The plans were created by leaders at Oak Lodge School, Health View in East Finchley, which looks after children with learning difficulties.

Commenting on the proposition, Lynda Walker, head teacher of Oak Lodge School said: “Currently, there is no autism-specific maintained school in Barnet. The Windmill School will offer places for children and young people whose autism is the major barrier to their learning and would find the busy environments of both mainstream and generic special schools too challenging.”

Oak Lodge School was ranked outstanding by Ofsted and leaders of the institution have claimed the school could help children with autism overcome ‘learning barriers’. If the submission gains approval from the DfE, it will undergo a thorough interview with the body who will then decide if the plans should be pursued.

Ian Kingham, deputy head teacher, said: “We are really excited about this project and hope we will hear a positive message from the DfE. The school will enable teachers to create a learning environment that is specifically designed to help people with autism, and is sensitive to their needs.”