Specialist support unit for school children could be built in Colchester
The County Council say it would help primary and secondary-aged children
A new 80-place 'pupil referral unit' could be created in Colchester - for children who can't go to school as normal.
It could be built on surplus land at Paxman Academy, for children dealing with illness or anxiety, for example.
The County Council say it's part of a plan to increase specialist support in Essex.
In a statement, they said:
"ECC has submitted a planning application to develop an 80 place pupil referral unit on surplus land at the new Paxman Academy (formerly Alderman Blaxill Secondary School) in Colchester, for November 2022.
"The new building will offer 30 places for primary pupils, 20 places for pupils transitioning from primary to secondary education and 30 places for secondary age pupils who are unable to attend school due to illness or anxiety.
"The new provision will be one of the first purpose built pupil referral units in Essex and will offer much improved facilities to our most vulnerable children and young people.
"This project is part of a wider programme to increase and improve specialist education provision across Essex."