A FREE school is to be established near Halton specifically for children with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

The Secretary of State for education has approved the joint bid for a new free school submitted by Halton and St Helens Councils.

Developing a free school will ensure that the councils can meet the needs of secondary students with SEMH within the borough, removing the need for many pupils to travel long distances to receive the support they need.

Free schools, while still funded by the government aren't run by the council so can set their own pay, change the length of schools days and they don't have to follow the national curriculum.

The new SEMH school would be for 50 pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH, as well as catering for a range of other issues.

Both councils will now move on to the next stage of the process, which is the opportunity for potential trusts to apply to develop and run the new school.

Cllr Tom McInerney, Halton Council’s executive board member for children, education and social care, said: “I am very pleased that the Department of Education has recognised the importance of Halton having its own specialist provision, which gives children and young people the chance to be educated within the community.”