Staff and students are enjoying their new term, in a new �7million campus.

Youngsters at Newbridge School returned from the summer holiday last week to the complex in Gresham Drive, Chadwell Heath.

The new site, for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties and disabilities, includes a swimming pool, sensory room and is only minutes away from the schools’ other campus, in Barley Lane, Goodmayes.

Headteacher Peter Boulstridge said he is “thrilled” with the “big new step”.

He added: “This place has been two years in the planning and it is a totally different experience for staff and pupils.

“The closeness to our other campus in Barley Lane will enable the two parts of the school to work even more closely together to further improve the educational opportunities available to our children and young people.”

Until now 70 children aged between 2 and 14 attended a campus in Loxford Lane, which proved a long way for staff to travel between the two sites. Those aged 14 to 19 will continue to attend the campus in Barley Lane.

The old building was “cramped and claustrophobic” according to the headteacher, who has replaced his 30 minute drive between locations with a 10-minute walk.

Mr Boulstridge said special educational provision is now excellent.

He said: “It is very healthy that we have an unceasing demand for places in our school. A brand new building only attracts more interest.”

The cost of the �7million work was mostly met by the government, with the support of Redbridge Council.