A new specialist school in Ashcott has been given the go-ahead by government inspectors Ofsted to open in January.

The Levels School team say they are delighted that children can start being taught from January 4, now that Ofsted has given the organisation the green light, following checks that all schools have to undertake before they open.

The school will specialise in teaching children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, and it was given approval locally by Sedgemoor District Council in August.

Head teacher Caroline Cook told Street Nub News: "The go-ahead from Ofsted is very exciting, we have been under immense pressure to get everything right, but now we have massive relief that we can start planning to open.

"Ofsted have to check every independent school to make sure all the staff are properly qualified, that appropriate safety measures in place and that we can provide what we are promising.

"It is not a grading system, you either pass or fail, so we are delighted that we have proven that the Levels School is going to be a great place to learn."

Caroline said that initially there will be nearly 30 pupils being taught at the former Millfield boarding house Etonhurst in Ashcott, but they are hoping to have 35 by Easter, and with deposits already being taken for the next school year, the hopes are high that nearly 40 children will be on the books in September.

Founder Bradley Middleton said: "We haven't got where we are today in a day, it has taken a huge amount of effort as a team.

"Everyone around me has played their part in getting us to the point where we can open and have crossed the final hurdle."

Caroline also praised the support of villagers in Ashcott, who she says have welcomed the start-up school with open arms.

"We are proud to be in Ashcott," she said, "and it seems that we are really welcome here, as so many people have wished us luck along the way."

Bradley and Caroline also expressed their thanks to the parents of children who will be coming to the school, and other supporters, who have been patient having to wait seven months for the Levels School to get registered.

To help the school get started, the Parents and Friends of the Levels School have set up a crowdfunding page to allow people to donate and support this enterprise, that was founded just as the coronavirus pandemic got underway.

To support the school, you can visit the crowdfunding page here.