New facility supporting children with autism opens

A new learning space for children with autism spectrum condition, which is the first of its kind for primary school aged pupils in the borough, has officially opened.

The Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Colleen Sullivan, attended the official opening of the designated unit at Wood End Park Academy in Hayes, which provides 24 places for children aged four to 11, on Friday 18 October.

Pupils at the school benefit from having a designated space to learn with specialist teaching and support tailored towards their individual needs, while also being able to integrate into the mainstream school environment for some key elements of their week where they can also be with their peers.

The Anil Bhatt Building, which is named after the school's late special educational needs co-ordinator, has been opened in response to the growing demand in the borough, and nationally, for educational facilities for children with autism.

It has been extensively refurbished and now features three classrooms, a sensory room and occupational therapy room. New double glazing, LED lighting and cladding has improved its energy performance certification from E to A. In years gone by, the building had contained a canteen, library and music room, and these are now provided in other areas of the school.

Cllr Susan O'Brien, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "Our school improvement and expansion programme is delivering much-needed additional school places in the borough for children with SEND (special educational needs and/or disability).

"This new unit is one example of how we are supporting children with additional needs in a mainstream school setting, helping them to develop and thrive from an early age with opportunities for learning in a nurturing environment. The refurbished building is also more energy efficient, supporting our ambition for a green and sustainable borough."