Earlsmead Primary School has established a new autism resource base for young people with Send

A Tottenham school has launched a new support hub for children with with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).

The new autism resource base at Earlsmead Primary School in Tottenham includes two classrooms, a kitchen for teaching life skills, a soft play area, a sensory room, an outdoor play space, and a breakout room, all designed to support development.

The initiative is part of Haringey Council’s aim to provide 118 new Send places in mainstream schools across the borough. Earlsmead was chosen as the first to benefit because of the high number of children with autism in mainstream classes.

Children who require additional support through the provision will access 50% of the mainstream curriculum. This will enable “meaningful interactions” between students in both settings during playtimes, PE, maths, and more, the council says.

The level of interaction depends on the child’s readiness, ensuring they know they belong to a class and have friendships across the school.

The “bespoke timetables” are tailored to each child’s needs and are intended to make it easier to implement the requirements outlined in education, health and care plans (EHCPs).

Hina Shah, headteacher at Earlsmead Primary School, said: “As an inclusive school, we were very keen to have the resource base as part of our offer. It was a way of enhancing the provision for children with autism who attend our school as well as providing additional places for children from across the borough.

“I am proud of the invaluable, bespoke learning environment we have created in partnership with Haringey and it is wonderful to see children thriving – as their needs are met due to the design of the building and the dedicated work from the team.

“It is a joy to see the easy flow of children between the mainstream and the resource base and the whole school community, including parents and carers who are benefitting and learning a great deal as a result. It was always a bit daunting and challenging to be the first school to undertake this but on balance we are very glad that we did.”

Six schools across the borough are set to accommodate a total of 125 Send places as part of the council programme, supported by the Department of Education.

Zena Brabazon, cabinet member for children, schools and families, said: “Creating the right environment for our young people is essential for their development.

“Young people with Send deserve the same opportunities as everyone else, regardless of their disabilities. We firmly believe this new hub will provide just that. We have witnessed the incredible benefits of integrating students with Send into mainstream schools, seeing first-hand how it positively impacts their learning and development.

“This also enables schools to offer both specialist and mainstream provisions close to home.

“Every room in this hub has been thoughtfully designed to serve a specific purpose and offer the necessary support, ensuring these young people can thrive. We are excited to embark on this journey with them and are confident that they will flourish in this environment.”

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