Pupils and staff at Jack Tizard School have been settling in to their new building, which opened this term in South Africa Road, White City.

The new school, which was built over the last year, represents an investment by the council of more than £3 million and is better tailored to meet the needs of the 70 pupils there. The school caters for pupils aged three to 19 with severe learning difficulties - some have profound and multiple learning difficulties while others have additional needs such as multi-sensory impairment.

Headteacher Terry Baker said: "The new building has more space and facilities, which benefits all the pupils here, as well as a very welcoming and striking entrance which makes a strong statement in White City. We want the school to be part of the local community and there are many opportunities for making links with local schools and sharing facilities and expertise."

All areas in the new building are equipped with hoists to benefit pupils and staff. Other facilities include a soft play room and a multi-sensory room.

Jack Tizard School was previously housed in a Victorian building in Finlay Street, Fulham, which was not very well suited to the particular needs of pupils, although adaptations had been made.
Despite the limitations of its old site, the school was said to provide "a good level of teaching and care for its pupils" in its last Ofsted report.

Cllr David Williams, deputy for education, said: "The new building has made a big difference to the quality of life for staff and pupils at Jack Tizard School. Some of the children and young people have profound and multiple needs, which this building is much better equipped to meet. Our officers have worked hard to see this major project through to completion and we are delighted with the benefits it is already producing for everyone at Jack Tizard.
Following the establishment of a Children's Trust in the borough, bringing together parts of education, social services and health, we will be able to provide a more integrated service to meet vulnerable children's needs."