OVERMONNOW Primary School has been given permission to extend their special educational needs areas by Monmouthshire County Council.

The school's headteacher, Huw Williams, said: "We are delighted that plans to extend two areas in our special educational needs unit have been given the go-ahead by the council's planning committee.  

"It will greatly improve the day-to-day operation of the unit.

"It's likely that the work will take place over the summer holidays so we can look forward to the new facilities in the autumn term.

"The unit was purpose-built to partly accommodate students with moderate learning difficulties – pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties and complex needs.  

"We can now look forward to increased storage space for items like walkers, standard frames and wheelchairs.

"This extra space will contribute towards better teaching and learning and also accommodate wheelchair users who will now enjoy direct access to the playground.  

"Other benefits will include a boost to students' independence, self-help skills, confidence and self-esteem.The extra space will help those with complex needs to learn."