A £2m project to improve and extend a school for children with a range of learning difficulties has begun in Wantage.

The Oxfordshire County Council-funded redevelopment will replace temporary classrooms, renovate existing facilities and improve access for wheelchair users at Fitzwaryn School, in Denchworth Road.

The first phase – being built by local firm Rok – is due to be completed by next December.

Three new classrooms, a ‘chill-out’ room, sensory theatre, rooms for one-to-one sessions, new lavatories and a small group classroom will be built.

The second phase will provide a dedicated unit for young people aged between 16 and 19 with special educational needs.

Headteacher Barbara Harker said: “We are very excited that work has begun to improve and extend our school buildings.

“Since the school was built, the number of children attending the school with severe and complex learning difficulties has greatly increased, and the new facilities will enable us to cater more effectively for their needs.”

County councillor Michael Waine, cabinet member for schools improvement, said: “We will work hard to ensure the minimum disruption to pupils throughout the building process.”

Ofsted inspectors recently graded the school ‘outstanding’.