TWO special schools in Thanet, Gap House at Broadstairs and Laleham at Cliftonville, are to amalgamate from next April.

It has been announced that schools adjudicator Andrew Collier has approved proposals to establish a new special school for pupils with severe communication and interaction needs.

A spokeswoman for Kent County Council said: “The proposal forms part of a major countywide review of special educational needs provision, the aim of which is to create more spaces in specific areas of need.

“The schools will educate up to 164 children aged between three and 16 years old with severe communication and interaction needs associated with a combination of autism and/or specific language impairment.

“The amalgamation and re-designation of the two schools will happen from April 11 - the start of the new summer term. They will continue to operate on their split sites for the next couple of years while discussions about possible relocation on one site take place.”