Loughborough special school construction to start
Work is about to begin on a £9.3m school for children with special needs in Leicestershire.
The school will be on the Charnwood College campus in Loughborough and will replace Ashmount School.
The county council said it would provide improved facilities, such as a hydrotherapy pool, physio room and conference and training room.
It will offer places for 125 children and young people aged four to 19 and is expected to open in late 2014.
'Dream come true'
Officials said being located on the same campus as the college opened up opportunities for the two schools to work together and share sporting and other facilities.
Ashmount head teacher Dave Thomas said: "We are absolutely delighted to get to the stage of turf cutting. This school has been on hold for a long time and now that we can finally see the building start it all seems real.
"In human terms, this will mean a great many more children will be able to receive outstanding provision and accommodation close to home.
"We are determined to make this school a dream come true for children with special needs and their families."
The turf cutting ceremony will take place on Monday.