The new Specialist Resource Provision (SRP), known as The Aviary, has been commissioned by Kent County Council to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). It welcomed its first pupils at the start of September and over time will grow to provide up to 40 places for children who require enhanced provision while remaining part of the school community.
The sensory room at The Aviary
While based at Richmond Primary School, The Aviary will support children from across the Isle of Sheppey, while also providing places for children from the wider Swale district. The provision will help more families access specialist support locally and reduce the need for children to travel further from home to school.
SRPs are part of mainstream schools and are designed for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) whose needs can be met in a mainstream setting with adaptations. They complement the wider SEND support already available in schools, providing enhanced provision for pupils with more complex needs. Children can learn and make progress alongside their peers, take part in everyday school life and build friendships, while accessing support tailored to their individual needs.
One of the new classrooms which are designed around stages of learning.
The Aviary has been created by transforming an existing block of seven classrooms into a purpose built learning space, which includes four classrooms. The classrooms have been designed around stages of learning, allowing teaching to be adapted to each child's needs and development.
The communal area where children can have breakfast.
Alongside dedicated teaching spaces, the provision includes a sensory room, art and music therapy room, a quiet room and pods where pupils can take time away from the classroom when needed. There is also a comfortable living room-style space with sofas and a kitchen and dining area. Outside, there is a large play area and outdoor classroom.
The project was supported by £160,000 of capital funding from Kent County Council as part of its ongoing programme to increase opportunities for children and young people with SEND to access support within their local communities.
“Specialist Resource Provisions like this play an important role in helping children who need additional support to thrive within a mainstream school environment.”
The provision was officially opened by Beverley Fordham, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by school leaders, staff and families.
Speaking after the visit, she said:
"It was a real pleasure to officially open The Aviary and see first-hand the fantastic new support available for children and young people on the Isle of Sheppey. I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved in creating this great provision. The passion and commitment that has gone into it is clear to see, and it's something that is really needed for local families.
"Specialist Resource Provisions like this play an important role in helping children who need additional support to thrive within a mainstream school environment. They complement the support already available in schools across Kent, ensuring more children can access the right help closer to home while learning alongside their peers and remaining connected to their local community."
Lesley Conway, Headteacher of Richmond Primary School, said:
"The opening of our SRP is a proud moment not only for Richmond Primary School but for families across the Isle of Sheppey. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed in an environment that understands and supports their individual needs.
"We know how important it is for children to access high-quality specialist provision close to home. The Aviary enables us to provide a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive environment where pupils can flourish academically, socially and emotionally while remaining part of their local community. We are incredibly proud of what has been created and excited about the opportunities it will provide for children and families for many years to come."
The opening of The Aviary forms part of Kent County Council's wider programme to expand Specialist Resource Provision places across Kent, helping more children and young people access the level of support that is right for them while remaining part of their local mainstream school community.
