Sladewood Academy, the primary special school in Stroud, is ready to welcome its first pupils.

Over £1 million has been spent to refurbish the old Severn View Primary School to turn it into a 60-place specialist primary school for children with moderate and additional learning difficulties (MALD).

The building has been refurbished and includes new breakout, therapy and intervention rooms, a new kitchen for the on-site cooking of school meals, and a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point for school transport.

The school will be run by the SAND Academies Trust.

Headteacher Katy Hanna said: "The investment that has been made at Sladewood Academy will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the pupils and community of Sladewood for many years to come.

"I am excited to begin the journey in September and see the impact that specialised settings can have in supporting all children and young people to achieve their true potential. We will hope to live up to our mission statement where 'Together we will thrive'."

Gloucestershire County Council opened a £9.75 million 80-place secondary special school last September and has also recently announced another £16.5 million in funding for a new 200-place special school for both primary and secondary pupils to address the need for more specialist places in the county.

Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member for education, skills, and bus transport, said: "Learning should be accessible for all young people, which is why we're investing over £30 million in special school places to make sure all children can learn in an environment designed to meet their needs closer to where they live.

"It's great to see another school open in Gloucestershire as part of the council's wider plan to create more special school places in the county. I wish all the pupils starting this year well and hope they are enjoying the new facilities."