Published on
20 January 2026
Mayor opens new SEND unit at Radstock Primary School
The new specialist SEND unit is called The Lilypad and will provide 21 places for primary aged children with Autism and associated additional needs.
A brand-new SEND unit and playground at Radstock Primary School in Earley has been officially opened by Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Carol Jewell. The official opening took place on 14 January where Cllr Jewell cut the ribbon.
The new specialist SEND unit is called The Lilypad and will provide 21 places for primary aged children with Autism and associated additional needs. The unit was created to help more young people who need specialist support.
A special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) unit is a supportive environment within a mainstream school for children and young people with an education, health and care (EHC) plan who need additional specialist support at times during the week.
The new building has three classrooms, two sensory rooms, two meeting rooms, a kitchen, and toilets including an accessible bathroom with shower and changing table. The three classrooms are Ducklings (Reception to Year 2), Herons (Year 3 to 4) and Dragonflies (Year 5 to 6).
SEND provision at Radstock Primary School was set up in September 2024 where six children were placed. An additional nine children were placed in September 2025. The Lilypad has places for a maximum of 21 children, with three children in each year group, and is expected to reach full capacity in September 2026.
Outside a brand-new playground has also been built with a canopy. Additional car parking spaces have also been provided.
Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Carol Jewell said: “I am delighted to officially open The Lilypad at Radstock Primary School. This much-needed SEND unit has been thoughtfully designed to provide specialist support for children with additional needs, particularly those with speech, language and communication needs. In a provision like The Lilypad, children will be educated close to their homes and alongside their peers.
“It is a privilege to officially declare this SEND unit open, and I wish all the children who learn here every success as they grow, communicate and flourish.”
Executive Member for children’s services Cllr Prue Bray said: “The council has launched a SEND Sufficiency Strategy and a programme of projects to develop and roll out SEND and resource units throughout Wokingham Borough. We want Wokingham Borough to be an inclusive environment where young people are visible, valued and achieve their potential.
“Locally, there is a growing demand for specialist provisions for pupils with SEND. The opening of The Lilypad will help to meet this demand while helping to enrich the lives of young people.”
Headteacher at Radstock Primary School, Li-Juan Ellerton said: “I am incredibly proud to see The Lilypad SEND Unit in use, with its excellent facilities providing high-quality support for our children. The Lilypad reflects both the council’s and the school’s strong commitment to inclusion and our close partnership with families. It enables us to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right environment for children with speech, language and communication needs.
"Already, we are seeing children more settled, more confident to communicate and more engaged in learning. They enjoy coming to school, interacting positively with adults and peers, and making meaningful progress within a calm, thoughtfully designed space. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked together to turn this shared vision into a reality.”
