IT’S a first in local education.

A new project to help children succeed in mainstream school has been launched in Kirklees.

Almondbury High School and Language College is the first of three secondary schools to officially open a nurture room which will provide an “inspirational” model across the authority.

The Redfearn Centre, opened at the school this week, will support groups of six children who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

It is named after former Almondbury High School director of languages Kevin Redfearn, who died in 2005.

Mr Redfearn was instrumental in the school gaining language college status and forging links between the school and several countries.

He died aged 43 after being ill for 18 months.

His widow Rachel officially opened the centre.

She said he would have been “honoured” to have the centre named after him.

“Kevin had a mission for all the children he came into contact with and I am sure he is watching this project with interest,” she said.

Around 19 children have been identified at the school to benefit from the support provided by teaching staff Sue Green and Karen Thomas.

The nurture room itself provides a relaxed setting for the students in which to work.

It has been designed by former Almondbury student Laura Pearce who is now managing director of her own interior design company Concepts and Spaces Ltd.

It aims to work with students to improve their confidence and self-esteem and improve attendance and attainment.

The other Kirklees schools set to benefit from nurture room projects are Holmfirth High School and Spen Valley High School.

The projects will be phased in over the coming months.