Priory Announces London Specialist School
Date: 23/11/2009
Priory Education Services, part of the Priory Group, Europe's leading independent provider of acute mental health services, is investing in new specialist education facilities in south west London.
The Priory Lodge School will be a purpose-built day school for young people with autistic spectrum disorders, in particular Asperger's Syndrome and associated learning difficulties. It will be situated in the grounds of the existing Priory Hospital Roehampton.
Building work has commenced and assessments for admission are expected to begin in April 2010 with the first students arriving in September 2010.
The spacious and modern building has been specifically designed to accommodate up to 40 young people with autistic spectrum disorders and Asperger's Syndrome.
The classrooms have been planned for specialist subjects including information technology, art, food technology, science and music, together with exclusive sensory and therapy rooms/suites or studios.
The Priory Lodge School is also uniquely placed to benefit from the extensive therapy and specialist mental health services provided at the Priory Hospital Roehampton. Staff and students will also work closely with the child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and experienced educational psychologists.
The school's location opens it up to a wide area, only seven miles from central London but with easy access from the A3, M2, M4, M25 and M40.
Helen Sharpe, managing director of Priory Education Services said: "Priory Lodge offers an alternative to residential education, allowing students to access high quality education and to develop independence and social skills whilst living in their home environment.
"Priory Education Services has an excellent reputation for delivering the highest levels of education and care to young people with ASD, challenging emotional, social and behavioural difficulties and dyslexia. The group includes specialist schools, further education colleges and children's homes together with an emergency placement unit, adult care homes and fostering services.
"Priory Lodge School will be an excellent addition to these services and will provide a positive educational experience for young people across London and the surrounding areas."
David Curry, principal of the Priory Lodge School said: "The aim at the Priory Lodge School will be to provide and support each student with a personalised programme to meet their individual needs, according to their skills and abilities.
"I am looking forward to the challenges and rewards ahead as the school is completed and we welcome our first intake of young people."
ENDS
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