Children with learning difficulties could soon be at their lessons in a splendid new purpose-built school.

Young people with conditions on the autistic spectrum, or who have social, communication an or interaction difficulties attend Churchward School, which at the moment is housed in a unit on Bagbury Park trading estate in Lydiard Millicent, having opened in September 2018

But now plans have been lodged with Swindon Borough Council for a purpose built school in Tadpole Gardens off William Morris Road.

The application says: "It will be a mixed secondary school for 11-19 year olds, with a total of 75 students enrolled at full capacity.

" Most students will have a learning difficulty and some may also have additional challenges and complex needs. Such students are likely to experience significant,

complex, persistent and enduring difficulties. Their range needs may also be multi-layered and interconnected,combining mental health, anxiety, attachment, relationships, behavioural, physical, medical, sensory and communication features. Churchward School’s tailored and personalised learning programmes will ensure that students are able to effectively access and engage with learning and ultimately achieve meaningful skills."

Drawings show a single-story structure in a shape similar to a capital F, with the walls clad in timber.

There will be a car park on one side, and sports fields on the opposite side, with trees and a fence screening Churchward from the next door William Morris Primary School, to give the students "a safe and secure learning environment.

The report to planners says the way the inside is organised allows for "passive supervision of the public front by placing staff spaces " there while" teaching spaces are organised around external play spaces and face away from the public front."

It adds that one of the reasons for moving to Tadpole Gardens from Lydiard Millicent is the site's good road links-as the special needs of the pupils inevitably means they will be dropped off and picked up every day.

Comments should be made to planners at Euclid Street by February 11, and a decision on the application is expected by the end of April.