Special needs schools in Kingston could join together and all become part of one academy.

A Surbiton special needs school has continued its outstanding streak having been described as a “calm and happy place”.

Dysart School, in Ewell Road, had applied to Kingston Council to build a post-16 educational building using a £1,000,250 grant from the Education Funding Agency.

Councillors agreed the expansion plans at the development control committee meeting on Thursday, February 26.

The new building will be built on playing fields at the back of the school site, on land owned by Kingston Council and shared with St Matthew’s Primary School, in Langley Road.

A proposal to expand a special needs school has been approved, despite opposition from governors at a neighbouring school.

Public health bosses have only themselves to blame for determined opposition to a planned move of drug rehab services in Surbiton, residents and business owners have said.

Treatment for addiction could be moved from Surbiton Health Centre to Hollyfield House in Hollyfield Road, alongside services for people with mental health issues. More than 500 people have signed a petition opposing the plans. Mary Marshall, who runs nearby Avondale gym, said Kingston Council had put up a “smokescreen” and failed to consult properly.

A special needs teacher described as “a friend to everyone” has retired after 37 years of loyal service to her school.

Children’s television presenter Dave Benson Phillips will be the star guest at a school fair next weekend.

Schools have been left with flooded classrooms and leaky ceilings following a spate of lead thefts that exposed the buildings to the wettest winter in 100 years.

Eight schools will close during this Thursday's teachers' strike with another two still to confirm either way, according to Kingston Council.

Once a week, on his day off, barber Chris Dendy heads to Dysart School in Ewell Road, Surbiton, to give some of the special needs pupils a haircut.

The Council has received funding from Transport for London (TfL) to review traffic arrangements throughout Ewell Road.

The first part of the meeting will be about consultation on the Local Development Framework - your chance to influence where schools, housing and commercial areas are developed in the Neighbourhood. This will include an update on the Surbiton Hospital site.

Residents are very welcome at Surbiton Neighbourhood meetings and can raise questions about Council business and submit petitions.