Southend-on-Sea City Council opens Three New Autism Resource Bases to Strengthen Inclusive Education

February 12, 2026

Together, the three ARBs significantly increase local specialist capacity, enabling more children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to access specialist support while remaining within mainstream schools and their local communities.

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.

During the opening of the ARB at Blenheim Primary School in Leigh-on-sea, Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, highlighted the significance of the project, saying: “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.”

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.

Voices from Our Schools and Partners

Amanda Wiley, Headteacher at Blenheim Primary School in Leigh-on-sea, part of the Learning in Harmony Trust, 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 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.”

You can find more information on the Council's support available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities on the Livewell Southend website.