CHILDREN diagnosed with autism will benefit from a multi-million pound pledge to create more special school places.

A new 70-place school for children with social, emotional and mental health needs will be built in Chelmsford, Essex County Council has announced.

The plans come as part of the authority’s bid to create more than 400 new special school places across the county, costing about £85 million.

The announcement was made after it emerged the county saw an increase in the number of young people diagnosed with autism, and with a growing demand for special school places.

Councillor Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member whose portfolio includes education, said: “We are committed to ensuring all children in Essex receive the best possible education and pupils’ individual needs are met.

“As with mainstream school places, demand for special school places is growing and I am delighted these exciting plans are moving forward.

“We already have some excellent special schools in Essex, with every single one in the county currently rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted.

“However, more capacity is still needed if we are going to reduce the distance young people are having to travel to school and meet the needs of the rising number of children being diagnosed with autism in Essex.”

Subject to planning processes, building work should begin in 2018, and the 70-place autism school will be for pupils of mainstream ability, but with anxiety and/or behavioural problems.

The £85million includes £42million from the Essex Schools Forum and £43million of capital funding from Essex County Council.

Capital funds are set aside for long-term projects – buildings, land or equipment, for example.