New Provision for Special Needs at Ark Acton
30 specialist places to help children integrate into mainstream education
School principal Ms Donarchy with students. Picture: Ark Acton Academy/Kate Langton
March 24, 2025
An Acton secondary school is set to receive 30 specialist places for children with special educational needs. It is expected that the Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) will open in the next academic year at Ark Acton Academy on Gunnersbury Lane following approval by Ealing Council’s cabinet.
The Ark Acton Academy SRP will primarily be for students with speech, language and communication needs. This may overlap and support students with autism or physical needs.
An SRP aims to help students who would struggle to make progress in a mainstream setting without specialist support. The idea of having an SRP inside a mainstream school means students who require additional help are able to integrate into mainstream education.
School Principal Sarah Donachy told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the SRP will help all pupils at the school, particularly on inclusion. She said: “There is an ensuing crisis happening across the board at the moment – it’s difficult for everyone in education.
“We are happy to play an important role for Ealing Council in supporting students with SEN needs… we want our SEN students to thrive like all students and lead a fruitful life. This will help all of our students, not just those on the SRP.
“What I’m really excited about is making sure inclusivity is at the heart of everybody’s education. We are visiting schools across London… schools where they have a successful SRP, with fluid staffing, as we prepare to welcome our new students. At the moment we are still hiring, and we are on track to meet our September 2025 deadline.”
Council documents outline repurposing and remodelling of accommodation at existing schools as key in gripping the continuing increasing demand for SEN places. An SRP for 30 places typically accommodates three class bases, a calm room, a specialist resource room, a staff/meeting room, office and toilets. The estimated cost for the works is £750,000.
Councillor Josh Blacker, Ealing Council’s Cabinet Member for a Fairer Start, told the LDRS: “Ealing borough’s population is continuing to grow and has more children with more complex needs. Although early intervention and inclusion in mainstream education aims to reduce future demand, additional places in the borough’s special schools are required to meet this increasing need.
“Pupils in years 7 to 11 who have speech, language and communication needs and/or autism will be offered targeted support to allow them to learn in an environment that meets their needs and we are delighted up to 30 additional places will be made available at Ark Acton Academy, helping ensure we are well placed to respond to the increased demand for SEN places and ensure a quality education for all secondary school learners.”
Philip James Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter
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