LVS Oxford is a converted priory, which will provide residential and day places for students diagnosed on the autism spectrum and is modelled on a sister school in West Sussex, LVS Hassocks, where Sodexo has also provided services since 1982. Both schools are owned and run by the Licensed Trade Charity.
Marlies Hoogeboom, account director for Sodexo’s Independent Schools division, said: “Independents by Sodexo is delighted to be further strengthening our partnership with the Licensed Trade Charity with this extension to their portfolio, which now includes all three of their schools.”
Ian Mullins, director of education at the Licensed Trade Charity Oxford added: “I am delighted to announce the opening of our third school, a specialist autism school in Oxford which has been refurbished over the last 12 months in preparation for students in September.
“We anticipate approximately 20 pupils in the first year, growing to its maximum capacity over four years of approximately 88 students, both day and boarding.
“The students at our special schools have lower thresholds of tolerance for food and often experience allergies to certain types of diet. As a result, the demands can be quite high for ensuring that a nutritional meal is supplied within certain restraints.
“Sodexo has that experience, built up over many years in other institutions, but from our point of view their excellent work at Hassocks will be further developed at our new site in Oxford. I look forward to the development of this school and going into partnership with Sodexo.”