A BID to open a new special needs free school in Wiltshire has got the go-ahead.

The Department for Education has announced it will look to approve 39 special and alternative provision free schools across the UK, including Wiltshire.

The charity New Schools Network is offering free guidelines and support to interested groups through the application process.

Director of the network Luke Tryl said: “Every child should have access to a school that can support their needs. But too often it’s the parents and carers of the most vulnerable children, those with special needs or who have been excluded, that tell us that they struggle to get the right support in their area.

“That’s why this announcement creating 3,400 more Special and AP places through the free school programme is fantastic news for children and communities across the country."

More guidance is expected to be published on the Wiltshire Council website this week.

Applicants will know if they are successful by the summer.