Parents are being asked for their views on plans to open a free school for autistic children in Feltham.

A public consultation has been launched on the proposed new Rise School for children aged four to 19 with autism, which will coexist on the same grounds as Feltham Community College (FCC) in Browell’s Lane.

The search for a site to house the disability school in west London came to an end when senior staff and the governing body at FCC gave their full support to the venture, following a meeting last month.

Leading the school will be Tracie Linehan who brings with her experience in the role as the former head of two special schools. Ms Linehan said: "The right education is critical in enabling children and young people with autism to learn, thrive and achieve the things in adulthood that we take for granted, such as work or further study.

"Feltham Community College has a strong track record of supporting children and young people with autism and we look forward to working with them to make Rise School a reality.”

Rise School will be base don FCC grounds and plans to open with 40 pupils (Reception to Year 8) next year, increasing to 100 pupils by 2018.

The proposal for Rise School was approved by the Department for Education in May 2013 for a September 2014 start. It is sponsored by the Autism Schools Trust, set up by parents in west London, in partnership with Ambitious about Autism and Dimensions, two charitable organisations.

Charlotte Warner, one of the west London parents who set up Rise School’s project team, said: “We have talked to hundreds of parents of children with autism in west London. "We all share the same ambition - to see local children and young people with autism go to university, go to college, get a job, and to live fulfilling and rewarding lives.

"We want to use the consultation as a way for local people to find out more about the school, get involved and share this vision.”

Victoria Eadie, FCC headteacher, added: “This model of co-location is genuinely exciting. It will enable Rise School pupils to access learning alongside their peers at Feltham Community College and still get the specialist support they need. We have a really strong inclusive ethos at Feltham Community College and I know the students will join me in welcoming Rise School pupils in 2014.”

A series of drop in sessions will provide more information and answer further questions:

  • St Stephens Church, Twickenham, Wednesday (6) from 10am to midday.
  • Ealing Town Hall, Ealing, Monday (11) from 10am to midday.
  • Feltham Community College, Tuesday (12) from 6.30pm to 7.30pm
  • All Saints Church, Fulham, Monday (18) from 10am to midday.
  • Feltham Community College Tuesday (26), from 6.30pm to 7.30pm