Plans have been approved to build two new special free schools in Essex and Hounslow, offering more than 120 student spaces.

Announcing the new schools, Children and Families Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "I know how important it is for parents to feel their child is getting the support and education they deserve. My ambition for children with special educational needs is the same as for any other child – to achieve well in their education, find employment and live a happy, fulfilled life.

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"Every school is a school for children with special education needs – but parents rightly want choice in their child's education, which is why our reforms to the system put families at the heart of the process so their views are heard.

"The two new special free schools in Essex and Hounslow will help support children with these additional needs to get the skills they need to fulfil their potential."

The Hounslow school will provide 64 specialist places for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, aged between 11 and 19-years-old.

The second school in Chelmsford, Essex, will offer spaces for 64 pupils aged seven to 16 who have severe and complex social, emotional and mental health needs.

Both institutions are scheduled to open in 2020.

They form part of a government drive to create one million school places between 2010 and 2020, ensuring more families have access to a good school place.

(CM/MH)