Work starts on special needs school

A new training unit for blind and partially-sighted students is being built alongside a Derby secondary school.

The independent living centre at St Benedict Catholic School is expected to be up and running within weeks, reports the Derby Telegraph.

According to the paper, the school has been fundraising since 2006 when a member of the secondary school staff devised the idea of a unit which would help young people get used to independent living.

The building was supplied free of charge by local businessman John Green.

Jenny Williamson, the local council's director of business and development, said: "This is a fantastic example of how local businesses can come together to achieve a common goal which will really make a difference to our visually impaired young adults."

The Department for Children Schools and Families recently launched a pilot scheme to adapt the curriculum for visually impaired and dyslexic students.

By November this year, the department hopes that new textbooks and resources will be available for use in classrooms.

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