A SPECIALIST school in Christchurch has created an eco-friendly roundhouse building to give its students even more access to dance and movement therapy.

Portfield School in Parley, owned and operated by Autism Wessex, provides specialist teaching and care for students aged four to 19 who hold an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD).

The school’s new facility cost £90,000 to build and has been funded entirely by the charity.

CEO of Autism Wessex Siún Cranny said: “We are continually exploring ways to develop therapeutic processes at Portfield School.

“The Roundhouse came from our thinking around the important nature of the environment in which sessions on music and dance therapy and mindfulness occur.”

The Roundhouse was opened with an informal gathering on September 3 and will be used by all student age groups.

Siún added: “We held discussions with various playscheme developers about what kind of building we could create.

“From this came the idea for a circular space, built from sustainable materials, with a light focus at the pinpoint of the radius in the ceiling, producing a serene sense of calm and peace.

“The building is simply stunning - a real testament to our continual investment to improve the quality of the environment at the school and something which will bring huge benefits to Portfield School students for many years to come.”