THE headteacher of a school that specialises in teaching children with autism has won a campaign to expand.

Alison Foster, head of Hillside Specialist School, Longridge, took over the school four years ago and since then has been working with governors and Lancashire County Council to teach children up to the age of 19 instead of 16.

Council bosses have agreed to the plans because autistic children had been leaving the county aged 16 to continue their specialist education.

People who suffer from autism find it difficult to communicate and relate to others.

Ms Foster said that children at her school were often not ready to leave school at 16 and due to their condition became anxious as they needed routine and predictability.

The school has two staff for each of the 70 children at the school meaning they get one to one help with learning.

It teaches children from all spectrums of the condition and Ms Foster said that allowing the children two extra years in the school would better prepare them for the future with life skills classes such as cooking.

She said that parents and pupils had backed the expansion plans.

Ms Foster, who has been teaching children with special education needs for 25 years, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for pupils, families and staff as it recognises the support we can offer up to 19 instead of 16.

“Children have expressed an interest to remain at the high school after 16 rather than leave to go to other generic schools.

“Moving to a general school can be difficult for children and they can find it extremely hard to cope with.”