Ormiston Queensmill Academy has officially opened its satellite provision. The specialist resource provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has been delivered in partnership with the Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
The new early years and key stage 1 provision will deliver specialist, tailored support for up to 40 children with a diagnosis of autism by September 2026. Designed to meet a growing local need, the provision features purpose-built educational spaces that promote engagement, structure and wellbeing, alongside expert teaching and therapeutic support.
The satellite provision forms part of Ormiston Queensmill Academy’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality specialist education and expanding opportunities for children whose needs may not be met within existing settings. Supported by investment from Hammersmith & Fulham Council, a long-standing delivery partner, the provision strengthens local capacity while enabling more children to access specialist support closer to home.
As part of the provision, pupils will follow highly individualised curriculum pathways delivered by a specialist teaching team with expertise in autism education. Therapeutic interventions will be embedded into the school day, with close collaboration between families, external professionals and partner agencies to ensure each child receives a personalised learning experience aligned to their needs and aspirations.
The official opening event brought together school leaders, staff, local authority representatives and colleagues from Ormiston Academies Trust. Guests heard from those responsible for establishing and delivering the provision and took part in a walkaround of the bespoke learning environment, learning more about the specialist offer and its long-term vision.
Lucy Capon, Acting Head of School at Ormiston Queensmill Academy, said: “Our Sulivan satellite is an important step in expanding access to high-quality specialist autism provision in the local area. By working closely with Sulivan Primary School and Hammersmith & Fulham Council, we are strengthening local capacity and ensuring more children can receive the tailored support they need within their own community. We are proud of the collaborative approach behind this provision and the positive difference it will make for children and families.”
Wasim Butt, National Director of AP and Special at Ormiston Academies Trust, added: “At Ormiston Academies Trust, inclusive education is central to our mission, and the opening of the Queensmill Satellite Provision at Sulivan Primary School is a powerful example of that commitment in action.
This specialist provision demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership working and shared ambition. By investing in expert staff, purpose-designed environments and personalised pathways, we are helping to ensure more children with autism can access the support they need to learn with confidence and thrive within their local community.”
Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council, said: “We want every young person in our borough to get the best opportunities in life. That’s why we are investing a record £10.4million in expanding our high-quality specialist provision for children and young people with additional needs.
“We are determined that every young person with autism can access excellent, bespoke support close to home and has the opportunity to thrive in a modern and inclusive learning environment.
“Our partnership with Ormiston Queensmill Academy at Sulivan Primary School is central to that offer to young people and represents a major step forward in delivering on our mission.
“It is particularly pleasing to see this vital support being offered to local families in H&F at a school which was once earmarked for closure – until this administration stepped in to save it.
“The Queensmill Satellite Provision at Sulivan Primary School will continue to develop throughout 2026 and is intended to act as a model for future specialist provision, combining expert support, inclusive practice and strong partnership working.”