New Hatton Special School opens its doors for Redbridge children with SEND

Published: 10 September 2026

Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Redbridge will now benefit from a brand-new specialist school, as Hatton Special School opens its new site.

The new school has been made possible thanks to a major investment of £10.9m by Redbridge Council and will provide local children with the specialist support, facilities, and learning environment they deserve, closer to home.

Located on the former Park School for Girls in Park Avenue, Ilford, the purpose-designed school features 11 classrooms, PE and studio spaces, a library, canteen, and dedicated facilities designed to meet the needs of pupils with SEND. The opening of the new site increases specialist provision in the borough and help more children access education within their own community.

For many families, the expansion means children who may previously have had to travel outside Redbridge for an appropriate school place can now learn closer to home, surrounded by friends, family and familiar support networks.

The opening forms part of Redbridge Council's wider programme to improve educational opportunities for children with SEND. It builds on investment in additional SEND classrooms and specialist provision in schools across the borough, helping meet growing demand while ensuring children receive the support they need to thrive.

The new school complements Hatton Special School's existing site on Roding Lane South, expanding the school's capacity to support more children from across Redbridge. The project has transformed a former school building into a modern learning environment designed to support learning, independence and wellbeing.

Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said, "Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in an environment that meets their needs and helps them reach their potential. The opening of this new school is a significant milestone for Redbridge and for families of children with SEND.

“Redbridge is fortunate to have excellent schools and dedicated teachers who help young people achieve their potential every day. Over recent weeks we’ve celebrated the achievements of students receiving GCSE and A-Level results, but Hatton is about more than academic achievement alone. It is about making sure every child has the opportunity to succeed, with the right support and environment to help them fulfil their potential.

"We are determined to make Redbridge a great place to grow up for every child. While there is still more work to do, this investment shows our commitment to creating the high-quality specialist provision that children and families deserve."

Councillor Lloyd Duddridge, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said, "This is fantastic news for children and families across Redbridge. The new Hatton Special School site will provide first-class facilities and specialist support for children with SEND, helping them develop confidence, independence and the skills they need for the future.

"For too long, too many children have had to travel outside the borough to access the education and support they need. This new school gives more children the chance to learn closer to home, close to their families, friends and community, in facilities specifically designed for them. We know demand for SEND places continues to grow, which is why we have been investing in new specialist classrooms and expanding provision across the borough. The opening of this school is another important step in that journey.

"Our ambition is simple. Every child in Redbridge should have access to the education, support and opportunities they need to achieve their very best. We will continue working towards that goal."
 
The new school is welcoming pupils this week.