A NEW school for children with special needs is set to be launched in Dunfermline at the end of the month.

The Eden Park Academy will be based at Sovereign House, a former office block at Halbeath’s Crossgates Road, and will provide specialist education for up to 20 students aged between 11 and 16.

Run by Radical Services Ltd, the company already has Eden Park academies in East Ayrshire, Cumbria and West Yorkshire and has built up a reputation for providing high-quality, personalised education for students with Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The facility will be an independent, Education Scotland-registered co-educational day school. It will be non-denominational with a secular ethos that respects the cultural needs and religious beliefs of all.

The school specialises in educating students with SEMH needs through accessible learning experiences delivered using skilled teaching and exceptional pastoral care.

It will offer a a range of SQA qualifications from National 2 to National 5 as well as vocational qualifications such as ASDAN, National Progression Awards, John Muir Award, standalone units and other relevant qualifications to recognise all achievements.

The school will work closely with a range of external agencies and professionals, including CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) SALT (Speech and Language Therapists) as well as having access to their own in-service clinical psychologist.

As reported in the Press in February when planning permission was being sought, the new school is likely to create more than 40 new jobs including a headteacher, six teaching staff, three support staff, six house/assistant managers, up to six team leaders and at least 24 care positions.