A proposal to open a resource base at a Balham primary school to accommodate children with autism disorders has received approval.

Ravenstone Primary School, in Ravenstone Street, trialled a pilot scheme this autumn while a consultation was developed, which included staff support, learning in small groups and speech and language therapy.

Four places were initially granted in reception and Year 1 from September, leading to their transition into the base this month, while extra places will come in time as the school adjusts.

Ravenstone agreed to be utilised as a resource base in the main school building while a 'teacher-in-charge' was appointed to work with children with special educational needs (SEN), who would join the base and help them transition and help with staff training in raising pupil awareness at the school.

Cllr Sarah McDermott, cabinet member for education and children's services, said: "We are very appreciative of Ravenstone using some of their spare rooms to accommodate children with autism in a unit.

“We’d like to encourage more schools to do the same so that children with autism can be educated in their own communities with access to mainstream education as well.”

Cllr Jeremy Ambache, Labour’s speaker for education, said: “In Wandsworth there is a high need for special education provision for children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).

“Labour councillors supports the decision to develop a special ASD unit within a mainstream school like at Ravenstone Primary school.

“This will benefit all the children at this school including those with special educational needs.”

Wandsworth Council's executive committee has agreed to plans to establish a resource base at Ravenstone for up to 20 children, aged three to 11 years old with an ASD, from April 1 next year at its meeting on November 13.