A SCHOOL for autism that opened with just one pupil last February has now been given the go-ahead to take up to 22 children.

Coddington Court School, near Ledbury, has already attracted nine boarders from as far afield as Hampshire, Staffordshire and Wales, plus one day pupil from Herefordshire. All the new places are expected to be full by July.

Two more residential units have just been completed on the four-acre site, together with a heated indoor swimming pool and gymnasium, allowing pupil numbers to be increased.

The school, set up by the West Midlands Autistic Society as a centre of excellence for youngsters with autistic spectrum disorders, will eventually cater for up to 60 pupils, aged from eight to 19.

There is no shortage of demand for places from around the country, as the only comparable schools are in Devon and Scotland.

"We had to peg our numbers when we reached the limit of the first residential building, but we now have the staff in place to open up the first of the new ones," said principal Lynn Plimley.

"We are constantly looking for more support staff and home managers, usually people with some experience of working with special needs, either in care or education."

To admit one new pupil with severe autism and challenging behaviour, five new support staff are needed to ensure constant one-to-one attention.

So far, all the boarders, except one, are boys, but three more girls are expected to be admitted by Easter.

The present residential block will become the girls' house and the boys will be moved to the first of the new blocks.

Besides providing schooling, Coddington Court offers residential care for 50 weeks of the year, an assessment centre, training facilities and a flat for family visits. Short-term respite care will also be available when staffing levels permit.

For further information call 01531 640541.