CHERIE Blair has opened a £1.2m school that caters for young people with a range of emotional, physical and social support needs.

The Prime Minister's wife officially opened Wirral Hospital Schools' Joseph Paxton Campus in Claughton on Thursday.

The campus provides educational facilities for students referred to WHS because of concerns about their physical, emotional or social well-being, which prevent them attending school. It also houses a unit for school-aged mothers or mothers-to-be.

Mrs Blair toured the school, which supports around 60 young people aged 11-16, before unveiling a plaque in the main hall.

To be taught at the school, a child will usually be referred by a medical consultant, supported by the head-teacher of their home school. The largest group taught at Joseph Paxton Campus are students referred because of concerns over their physical, social or emotional well-being, and who benefit from being taught in smaller environments.

WHS does not provide therapy or medical interventions, but works with health professionals.

Wirral Hospital Schools will work with Sure Start to provide on-site care for up to six babies under the age of one, allowing young mothers to continue their education without worrying about their babies' care.