Pupils help to officially open the unit
A new, state-of-the-art provision for children with autism has officially opened at Hermitage Primary School this week.
The site, named ‘Athena’, has been developed following recognition of the growing need for high-quality, specialist places within the borough, and has been designed to provide tailored support for primary school-aged children with autism.
The new facility has been built as an additional unit at Hermitage Primary School, creating a dedicated, purpose-built space that benefits from the wider support and resources of the existing school community. The provision will support up to 12 pupils, offering a nurturing, sensory-informed environment built around best practice in autism education.
The facility has been equipped with specialist resources, providing the ideal setting for children with sensory needs, and giving teachers the tools to deliver personalised, impactful learning.
This includes classrooms with lighting that can be adjusted in both brightness and colour, sensory rooms with tactile play areas and visual stimuli to encourage hands-on interaction, as well as tools that help children communicate their needs to teachers.
Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth, and Lifelong Learning, said:
“It’s a privilege to see this specialist autism resource provision open at Hermitage Primary School. This is a significant investment built around understanding, inclusion, and high-quality support.
“Our aim with this additional school resource has been to create a space where pupils can learn and thrive in an environment designed around their needs. I hope this provision will make a real and lasting difference to children and families in our borough, and we are proud to support it.”
Rahena Begum, whose son Waseem attends the autism provision, said:
“Having this unit means everything to me. It means Waseem’s future will be bright just like every other child.
“I felt he was isolated in a mainstream class as he didn’t access the learning. Now he has grown in confidence, and his sensory needs are met. The curriculum is set up for him, so he is thriving, and the new class has given him the confidence to be himself. He can now tell us what he wants and does not want.
“He learns things that are important to him, life skills like brushing teeth, going out in the local community, and swimming. These are so important for him. His talents are beginning to become clear.
“The worry I had as a parent has decreased a great deal, as I know he is getting the help he needs and deserves.
“The world is becoming more aware of neurodiversity now, but this school is probably the place where he is the most welcome. Having schools like this means that children with complex needs are understood and included.
The school opened its doors to its first pupils at the end of 2025, beginning a phased opening as the resource grows to capacity.
The project was delivered using £2.37million from the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA) grant. Construction was carried out by council teams and suppliers, with Ark plc serving as the main contractor.
The council is committed to supporting children and young people with SEND in Tower Hamlets. Alongside the new autism provision, it has invested £900k to support transitions for 16-25-year-olds with SEN and a further £500k for 18-30-year-olds with SEND. This funding will help young people build independence through life-skills programmes, and initiatives that support their transition into employment.
Posted on Wednesday 4th March 2026