At a Glance
- Three new Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) opened at Blenheim Primary School, Thorpedene Primary School, and Shoeburyness High School.
- Purpose-built facilities offering specialist support within mainstream school settings.
- Part of the Council’s wider SEND strategy to increase local specialist places.
- Aims to reduce out-of-area placements and keep children closer to home.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is proud to announce the official opening of three brand-new Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) at Blenheim Primary School, Thorpedene Primary School, and Shoeburyness High School. These purpose-built facilities represent a significant investment in the city’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) infrastructure, ensuring more children can access specialist support while remaining within a mainstream school environment.
The new ARBs are designed to provide a “best of both worlds” approach: offering high-intensity, expert support in a calm, low-arousal setting, while facilitating meaningful inclusion with mainstream peers.
A Vision for Inclusion
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Nigel Folkard, emphasised the city’s commitment to every child’s potential:
“These new bases are more than just classrooms; they are hubs of opportunity. We are dedicated to ensuring that no child in Southend is left behind. By bringing these specialist resources into the heart of our mainstream schools, we are fostering a culture of empathy and excellence that benefits the entire school community.”
Also present at the ceremony, Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said:
“I’m proud to see our new Autism Resource Bases being delivered across the city. These aren’t just buildings — they’re a long-term investment in Southend’s children and families. By expanding specialist support within mainstream schools, we’re helping children get the right support close to home, while strengthening the inclusive, compassionate school communities we have in Southend.”
Voices from Our Schools and Partners
Amanda Wiley, Headteacher at Blenheim Primary School, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be opening this purpose-built autism resource base, which has been carefully designed to meet the needs of our pupils. With calming breakout rooms, a sensory space and a dedicated outdoor area, this environment helps children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. It means we can offer more children the specialist support they need, while still feeling part of a welcoming and inclusive school community. We’re confident it will have a hugely positive impact and help pupils to flourish both personally and academically.”
Victoria Waller, SECAT Trust Inclusion Lead, highlighted the immediate success of the new provisions:
“The Autism Resource Bases (ARBs) at Thorpedene Primary School and Shoeburyness High School have enabled pupils to successfully access mainstream education through a personalised curriculum and specialist support tailored to their individual needs. The progress many pupils have made in a relatively short time has been remarkable, demonstrating the transformative impact of this provision.”
Ben Stickley, SECAT CEO, added:
“We are delighted to have been able to deliver these fantastic new resource bases in partnership with the Local Authority. We are determined to be part of the solution to the increasing needs of children in education, rather than simply complaining about the problem. These bases have been created in consultation with the local community to meet specific needs, to the benefit of children across Southend.”
Strategic Growth
The launch of these three bases is part of the Council’s wider SEND strategy to increase the number of local specialist places, reducing the need for out-of-area placements and keeping children close to their homes and communities.
For more information about this media release, email: media@southend.gov.uk