Calcot Services for Children (CSfC) is opening a new special educational needs (SEN) primary school in Wantage after planning permission was granted by the local authority.
Huckleberry Therapeutic School will offer places for children aged five to 11 who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties, including associated challenging behaviours.
Many of the children will also have additional special needs including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit and hyperactive disorders, which may affect their speech and language development.
Calcot Services for Children is a highly experienced provider of residential care and education for children with trauma and SEN with all its services rated good or outstanding by the regulator Ofsted.
Huckleberry will focus on a highly therapeutic offering, using a multi-disciplinary approach to meet the social, emotional, spiritual, physical and special educational needs of the children to enable them to progress into mainstream or SEN secondary education.
Ms Parmentier, headteacher at Huckleberry School, said: “I am thrilled to be opening the school in Wantage, where I grew up. It is set in beautiful surroundings with access to local facilities.
“We understand that for some children school has been difficult and we have adapted our curriculum and environment to help their confidence grow.
“Developing a love for learning through different means is vital for the pupils’ futures and the culture and approach of the school will be to encourage this to support every child to reach their full potential. Staff will get to know the children well and be committed to providing an environment that is nurturing, safe and enriching, tailored to the individual’s needs.
“The school opens in early June and has been exceptionally well received within the local area. We are keen to be part of the wider community, work with local businesses and organisations and provide the vulnerable children in our care with the best possible start to their education journey. ”
Rachel Redgwell, managing director of Calcot Services for Children, said: “Ms Parmentier established our first school in Eton Dorney, which has been highly praised by Ofsted. We have been able to expand its roll to 50 children and our non-exclusion policy has reflected this.
“I am now working with Ms Parmentier to provide the same level of quality care and education at our second primary school to support children who are struggling in mainstream due to their special education needs, trauma and challenging behaviours.
“Offering accessibility to education for all children is something we are passionate about, whether it is our own looked-after children or those who have struggled to find schools that meet their needs. This is so important to improve and enhance their life chances and I am very proud that Huckleberry will shortly be opening to allow us to work with even more vulnerable youngsters.”