A NEW special needs facility at Middlesbrough's Pennyman primary school has been welcomed by staff and pupils.

The facility takes children with a range of disabilities who benefit from the opportunity to learn alongside mainstream nursery children but require a degree of specialist teaching support and health therapy.

The unit accommodates seven children who attend three days a week and spend mornings working with specialist nursery teacher Rebecca Hill who is supported by Emma Robertson and Alicia MacDonald. In the afternoon, they join the mainstream nursery where they take part in all of the activities.

Headteacher Alison Kerr said: "We already have a great deal to be proud of at our school in terms of the support it delivers to children with specific needs and difficulties.

"This new facility is a great opportunity to promote inclusion and provide a safe and caring environment for all our children."

Opened by Middlesbrough Council's executive member for education, Councillor Paul Thompson, and Terry Redmayne the authority's director of education, the nursery unit is supported by health authority staff who provide a full-time nurse and visiting therapists.