MEMBERS of Darlington Rotary Club heard a talk about Marchbank Free School as part of their first meeting of the year.

School principal Mandy Southwick told members that before the school opened in 2013 there was no provision for children with SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental, Health ) needs who were of Primary age.

The school is located in the former DfE buildings in Mowden in the house constructed in 1881 which was at one time Mowden Prep School.

Mrs Southwick described in detail the many complex needs of the children in her care and told members about the strategies she and her staff deploy to help each child to learn and make progress.

The school has more than tripled in size since 2013, and there are many more applications than places. The children are taught in classes of eight and benefit from a great deal of support and attention.

School governor Nigel Little spoke of the hard work and dedication of Mrs Southwick's team.