AN MP has visited a new special school set to open its doors in September.

Wantage MP David Johnston checked in at Huckleberry Primary Therapeutic School after construction work was completed.

When it opens for the next academic year, Huckleberry will offer places to children aged five to 11 who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

The school will focus on a ‘highly therapeutic offering’ to enable pupils to progress into mainstream or SEN (special educational needs) secondary education.

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Mr Johnston said: “It was great to visit the new Huckleberry Therapeutic School in Wantage and see what the headteacher and her team have created.

“It’s got brand new equipment and a lovely, large garden, and I look forward to going back once the first set of children have settled in.”

Ludivine Parmentier, headteacher at Huckleberry, added: “Everyone has worked so hard to create a very special environment at Huckleberry School and we are very proud to have the opportunity to show off the facilities.

“It is really important to us to be part of the wider community, work with local businesses and organisations, and provide the vulnerable children in our care with the best possible start to their education journey.”

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The school will come under the umbrella of Calcot Services for Children (CSfC), which provides residential care and education for children.

Rachel Redgwell, managing director of CSfC, said: “Offering accessibility to education for all children is something we are passionate about, whether it is our own looked after children or those who have struggled to find schools that meet their needs.

“This is so important to improve and enhance their life chances and I am very proud that Huckleberry will allow us to work with even more vulnerable youngsters.”