Sulivan Primary School

Sulivan Primary School

In partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Local Authority and United Learning, Ormiston Queensmill Academy (OQMA) opened a new satellite provision on the grounds of Sulivan Primary School in October 2025. The provision, purpose built for autistic children, is intended to provide placement for up to 40 children aged between Early Years (Nursery, Reception) to Key Stage 1 (Year 1, Year 2). The purpose of creating an autism-specific Early Years/ Key Stage 1 satellite provision was to develop a more robust early intervention model and help expand the range of specialist placements available for autistic children in the local community. Presently, two classrooms are established. The provision will expand to capacity with a further two more classrooms opening by September 2026. All children offered placement at OQMA and who are Nursery to Year 2 are automatically placed at the Queensmill provision at Sulivan. There is no longer an Early Years or Key Stage 1 department at the main school site which is operates on Askham Road in Shepherd’s Bush. The main school begins at Year 3.

Of the two classes open, Ladybird and Bumblebee class, each is staffed by a Qualified Teacher, Higher Level Teaching Assistant and up to three Teaching Assistants, dependent on pupil needs. This is the same model intended for the two classes which will open in September 2026. Staff are employed by Queensmill (not Sulivan Primary School) and all children are enrolled at Queensmill (not Sulivan Primary School). Indeed, the Queensmill provision is entirely separate from Sulivan Primary School and so autistic children and mainstream children do not integrate, share lessons or play spaces. Any autistic child placed at the provision has Queensmill named on their EHC plan – not Sulivan. Staff have robust experience teaching and supporting children with additional needs. The provision is overseen by an Assistant Head and Deputy Head who work collaboratively to ensure the successful day-to-day running, and expansion, of the satellite. An Occupational Therapist (OT) provides direct sessions according to therapy provision as outlined on each pupil’s EHC plan. All staff are trained in autism and have access to ongoing autism and curriculum training, provided by OQMA.

Class sizes at the satellite are purposefully kept small to ensure children’s learning and autism needs can be met. The classrooms follow low-arousal principles with designated areas for learning, an adjoining sensory room attached to each classroom and easy access to an outdoor playground. The outdoor playground features a variety of accessibility swings, trampoline, climbing frame, sandpit and bridge. A sensory suite accessible to all classes at the provision includes soft play room, water play room and body shop. Other areas of the provision are still being finalised and are likely to include a library or drama room. Children are taught to use their personalised schedules to navigate the school day with as much independence as possible. Children are assisted to infer meaning about their school day with staff modelling to access supports such as a first/ then board or objects of reference, where these are deemed more appropriate than a schedule. Staff provide support to children where required but children are also encouraged to have a go and learn through their own exploration and experience. The provision places high emphasis on learning through play.

Children follow adapted versions of the Early Years and National Curriculums in line with the rest of Queensmill. For some children who are not yet ready to access Phonics, the focus may begin with intensive interaction, joint attention and sound awareness activities. As an autism-specific provision, there is a strong emphasis on meeting children’s personal development needs and this includes work around developing competencies in social communication and emotion regulation. Children learn how to share, wait, take turns, request and tolerate or include others in their work or play space; they learn how to identify and manage their own emotions and build resilience to change, with adult support. There is an emphasis on creativity and sensory play, as well as outdoor and indoor learning. Children are exposed to vital life skills through other activities such as cooking.

Admissions to the Queensmill satellite provision at Sulivan are via the Local Authority.