An “outstanding” specialist nursery for autistic children has found a new home after losing its space in a secondary school.

Last year, the Epsom Guardian reported The Little Group was desperately searching for a new home, after it was told their base at St Joseph’s RC Primary School would be needed for the school’s planned expansion.

The school has rented out accommodation to the nursery for the past 15 years, but it is expanding and needs its classrooms and offices back by the end of the school year.

The nursery, one of the very few in the country to offer specialist help and education for very young children with autistic spectrum disorder, is now about to sign a lease with St Andrew’s School, in Cobham, and move there in July.

The group’s headteacher, Judy Gilham, who Ofsted inspectors said was “inspirational”, said: “It’s great to have a new place. We’re very relieved and happy.

"A lot of our pupils come from everywhere in Surrey, so going to Cobham will be just as easy as coming to Epsom.

"We still haven’t signed the lease, but hopefully it will all be finalised soon.”

The Little Group has earned its reputation by employing specialist language and communication skills experts as well as specially trained nursery teachers to encourage all aspects of the children’s development.

Clare Kekwick, mother of three year-old Oliver who attends The Little Group, said: “Oliver just loves it. He is doing really well and he just can’t wait to get there. The staff are incredible.

"It is not easy being the parent of an autistic child and the staff are so good, nothing is too much trouble and they are fantastic with the children.”

Last Tuesday (March 23), 20 of The Little Group’s children released balloons into the air to show their support for World Autism awareness day (April 2).

The children released the balloons from their garden and watched as the balloons produced a display of pink and purple, the colours of the National Autistic Society.

For more information about The Little Group call 01372 720218.