An alternative education provision in Rutland for children with medical needs has been approved. 

Children's Hospital School Leicester has been granted planning permission to open a new base at Saddler Court in Barleythorpe. 

The new base will provide education for up to 20 children who are too ill to attend mainstream education. 

The hospital school based in Leicester is rated outstanding by Ofsted and provides teaching in its own bases as well as in general and specialist hospitals. 

The new teaching base will be set up at an Oakham business park with just minor cosmetic changes to the building. 

At a meeting of Rutland County Council's planning committee on Tuesday's (21 October) Cllr Karen Payne (Con) questioned whether the building had a lift and if it would be suitable for children with medical needs. A planning officer said the site would be used for children with behavioural rather than physical needs. 

The report by the council's planning department, which was considered by the committee said: "Rutland lacks provision of this nature, resulting in pupils being placed outside the county, including in Leicester. The associated transport costs alone can exceed the cost of the education itself.  

"Delivering this provision within Rutland would offer significant financial savings, represent a more sustainable solution, and enhance the wellbeing of students by enabling access to care and education closer to home." 

The application was given unanimous approval.