Improvement work has been completed at Ruislip Gardens Primary School to provide more support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Hillingdon Council carried out the work, allowing the school to accommodate an additional 32 children with SEND.
Cllr Susan O’Brien, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education, along with Cllr Jonathan Bianco, council deputy leader, recently visited Ruislip Gardens Primary School to see the finished improvements. Among the completed work is the borough’s first assessment center specifically designed for 3-5-year-olds.
This assessment center offers 16 full-time spots and 32 part-time spots for nursery-age children who have severe developmental delays and other complex needs. Each child at the center will receive personalized support and can choose to stay until they are ready to transition to reception.
The new facilities are located on two floors within the current school building. Head teacher Nicky Bulpett expressed her excitement about being the first school in Hillingdon to open an assessment center for nursery-age children. These assessment centers are rare across the country and play a crucial role in identifying and meeting the needs of young children at an early stage in their development.
By providing this specialized support and assessment services, Ruislip Gardens Primary School aims to ensure that children with SEND receive the necessary help and resources to thrive in their educational journey. The efforts made by the Hillingdon Council and the school staff reflect a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity for all students.
This initiative not only benefits the individual children who will receive support but also contributes to creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students at Ruislip Gardens Primary School. The collaboration between the council and the school showcases a dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the community and fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.
As awareness and understanding of SEND continue to grow, it is initiatives like the one at Ruislip Gardens Primary School that pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive education system. By prioritizing early assessment and personalized support, the school sets a positive example for how educational institutions can cater to the diverse needs of all students, regardless of their challenges or disabilities.
