Children will be given expert teaching

Brynglas Primary School in the city has built a specialised centre to provide expert teaching for children with autism and Asperger's syndrome.

The primary school aged youngsters will be given help to lead them through their studies.

The centre was officially opened on Friday after fundraising events from the local community were added to money from the Welsh assembly and Newport Council.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and interacts with other people.

There is a real sense of achievement with the opening of the centre Peter Vinnicombe, head teacher

People with autism cannot relate to others in a meaningful way. They also have trouble making sense of the world at large.

As a result, their ability to develop friendships is impaired. They also have a limited capacity to understand other people's feelings.

Pupils at the school with the condition are now being offered a personalised programme in the new unit with sensory and quiet rooms.

The centre which has room for 12 children, has purpose built work stations for the pupils to work at.

Peter Vinnicombe, the head teacher at the school said: "There is a real sense of achievement with the opening of the centre, as there has been a great deal of hard work from everyone involved.

"The centre is of real value to this school's community as the emphasis for us is on integration, something that both the children from the centre and the mainstream school benefits from.

"Teachers, staff, governors and parents are extremely proud of what we are able to offer."

But now staff at the school are hoping that the local council will develop suitable provisions for the children over the age of 11.

"At the moment there is no provision for children at key stage three level in Newport," he said.