Improvement work has been carried out at Ruislip Gardens Primary School to cater to more children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The project, led by Hillingdon Council, has now been completed, allowing the school to accommodate an additional 32 children with SEND.
During a recent visit to the school, Cllr Susan O’Brien and Cllr Jonathan Bianco from the council inspected the newly finished facilities. One of the key highlights of the project is the introduction of the borough’s first assessment centre specifically designed for children aged 3 to 5.
The assessment centre at Ruislip Gardens Primary offers a total of 16 full-time places, along with 32 part-time spots, for nursery-age children who require extra support due to severe developmental delays and complex needs. The centre will provide personalised assistance to each child and also offer the option for them to stay until they are ready to transition to reception.
Spanning across two floors within the existing school building, the new facilities aim to create a nurturing environment for young children with special needs. Head teacher Nicky Bulpett expressed her enthusiasm about being the first school in Hillingdon to establish an assessment centre for nursery-age children. She highlighted the importance of such centres in ensuring that children receive early assessments and have their needs identified at a young age.
This initiative is part of the council’s efforts to enhance support for children with SEND in the local area. By providing dedicated facilities and personalised care, Ruislip Gardens Primary School aims to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.
For more information about the SEND local offer in Hillingdon, you can visit the official website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/send-local-offer.
