Oak Field School replaces Shepherd and Aspley Wood schools which closed in August 2009. The new school has been operating out of the existing buildings until its relocation to new premises which have been built as part of Nottingham City Council's multi-million pound Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

The new building provide state of the art facilities which include light and airy classrooms with the latest in technology to support learning and improve achievement, a large sports hall, hydro therapy pool, multi-gym, soft play and immersive room. A fully furnished apartment will also provide a training asset for older pupils. The education opportunities continue into the outside areas, with play equipment, sports field and flood lit multi-use games area.

Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, said: "The completion of this new special school marks an important milestone in our ambitious programme to transform learning in Nottingham. Nottingham's BSF programme is the key to raising aspirations and standards and the new learning environments at Oak Field will provide pupils and staff with outstanding facilities, fit for the 21^st century."

David S Stewart OBE, D.Litt.h.c. Headteacher of Oak Field School; said: "The opening of the new Oak Field School building is part of the educational journey which strives to provide the very best for all children. It shows very clearly that we, as a community of Nottingham, want the very best for our most vulnerable pupils. We want them to have every educational opportunity so that they can lead fulfilled, happy and purposeful lives."

Tim Byles, Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools, the Government's agency responsible for delivering the national BSF programme, said: "The opening of Oak Field School yet again underlines the fantastic work Nottingham City is doing to transform its school estate as part of BSF. Provision for pupils with special needs is integral to the BSF programme and Oak Field School is a shining example of our desire to provide first class facilities for all. I look forward to monitoring the progress of the school as it sets out on its journey to improve the lives of children in Nottingham."

Oak Field School's ethos is to support excellence in education for pupils with additional needs wherever they are in the city. The school aim is to support the council's inclusion agenda in sharing training and resources with other city schools. The school is committed to a wide range of professional development both for its school staff and for others across the city.  The school holds many awards for excellence across a range of educational areas.

The schools has a national and international reputation for its work, and has just achieved International School Status for the fourth time and is one of only 16 schools who have achieved this award. The schools status as a Sports College also demonstrates its commitment to raising standards across the curriculum.

Councillor David Mellen, Nottingham City Council's Portfolio Holder for Children's Service and Andy Downing, Nottingham City Council's Director of Schools and Early Years and Satinder Gautam, Nottingham City Council's Director of Special Services will visit the new school at 12 noon on Tuesday, 10 November to see how pupils and staff are settling in.

An official opening ceremony will be held in 2010.