Midhurst SEN school will open after half-term
Following a successful OFSTED inspection, Conifers House School will open from February 23.
Opening on the former Conifers School site on Egmont Road, Midhurst, the building has been remodelled and refurbished to meet the standards for a SEN school.
The new Conifers House School will cater for children aged five to 16 with Autism Spectrum Condition, Speech, Language and Communication Needs, and a wide range of complex learning profiles, including children with sensory processing needs, high anxiety, and low self-esteem.
In addition to a bespoke curriculum aligned with pupils’ Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the school will offer enriching experiences such as swimming and horse riding. The playing fields on the other side of Easebourne Lane will be used for outdoor education to help build confidence and life skills.
Sir Peter Birkett, Founder of Conifers House School, said, “We have responded to the needs of the local community for SEND education by investing in the establishment of Conifers House School. Our goal is to provide the best facilities and working environment for our pupils and staff.
"Our brand-new staff team, who possess decades of SEN teaching and support experience between them, are ready and excited to start making a positive difference to the lives of our pupils, their families and carers.”
The school held a well-attended open day on February 7 and will open with four classes with a maximum of eight pupils per class. The school also has a library and additional sensory rooms for pupils.
Headteacher Catherine Miller said: “Together with our amazing new team, we’re confident that we’ve created a school where our pupils can thrive, achieve and be happy. We’re really looking forward to meeting them very soon."