The world-class school, built especially to suit children with autism, is expected to be occupied by the students in the second half of the school year.

Ms Gill said that after 30 years of teaching autistic children in "found spaces", she was bursting to get into the purpose-built school

"It's just spectacular. It includes learning pods for the children, an on-site teaching institute and a special area for our children who have mental health issues as well.

"We have been fighting, battling, to have our needs recognised, so this is just such a wonderful thing for the families, the staff and the kids."

The Deer Park site, on Station Road, was a former primary school.

The Advocate reported in 2008 that asbestos had been discovered there, and raw sewage was found leaking at different times.

"We have just been Band-aiding the Deer Park site as best we could," Ms Gill said. The new school will also be able to accommodate more children.

Deer Park holds 104 children and the new school can fit more than 140.

Ms Gill has not yet told the children of their move.

"We have to have very, very careful preparation for the children.

"They need to be prepared for such a massive change so we will tell them closer to the moving date."

Education Department spokesman Nick Higgins said building of the $12.3million Laverton school was well under way and work was expected to be completed in April.