Wormholt Park and Brackenbury primary schools in Hammersmith and Fulham will introduce the new provisions from September
Two West London schools will be opening new units for autistic pupils as part of plans to make the borough feel more inclusive and welcoming for young people.
Wormholt Park and Brackenbury primary schools in Hammersmith and Fulham are to open the doors to the new provisions this September, taking on 20 pupils each. Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which maintains both schools, approved the funding for the units in December with a final decision made on May 6 following consultation.
It is understood a four-week call-in period is yet to be completed after which the decision can be formally implemented.
David Collins, Executive Head Teacher at Brackenbury, said the school is grateful for the council’s investment, and that they look forward to creating an environment “where each child can thrive”. There is a growing need for school places for children with autism in Hammersmith and Fulham over the coming years.
The council’s ‘Special School Organisation Plan 2025 – 2027’ projected that by 2030 a total of 120 places will need to be added, split between primary and secondary.
Nationally the Labour Government has announced plans to make mainstream schools more inclusive, part of which will be the funding of new ‘bases’ to provide support to children with complex needs.
In a paper revealing the council’s decision to establish the new units officers wrote: “Without sufficient local provision, the increasing number of pupils with autism would lead to greater demand for costly places in specialist settings, including independent specialist provision. This would place additional financial pressure on the High Needs Block.
“Expanding SEN [Special Educational Needs] Unit provision therefore aligns with national policy priorities to increase inclusion for learners with SEN within mainstream settings and supports greater long-term financial sustainability.”
Both Brackenbury and Wormholt Park primaries had expressed an interest in hosting new SEND units for pupils with autism and it was agreed the aim would be to have them set up by September 2026.
A consultation which ran from March 4 this year to April 15 indicated strong support for their introduction.
At Brackenbury just nine responses were received though all were supportive. More (27) were received at Wormholt, of which 96 per cent showed support.
The inclusion of the units within existing schools are seen as preferable to higher-cost out-of-borough provision.
The scheme is however not without risks, such as that ongoing staff training and support must be provided.
Mr Collins told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We are pleased to be opening our new 20-place specialist autism unit this September. As a school, inclusion has always been at the heart of what we do, and we welcome the opportunity to provide even more specialist support and education for children with autism within our community.
“We are extremely grateful to LBHF [London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham] for their investment in the development of the new facilities, which will provide a structured and supportive environment specially designed for autistic pupils. The unit will have specialist teaching and support staff as well as physical adaptations that will include a sensory room, therapeutic spaces, and low-arousal classrooms and work areas designed to meet the needs of our pupils.
“We look forward to creating an environment where each child can thrive, feel supported, and experience success in a setting tailored to their needs.”
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