Fern House School’s modern, purpose-built facility has replaced the outdated former Aylands School buildings

A special school in Freezywater has celebrated the official launch of its new buildings.

The newly renamed Fern House School – formerly known as Aylands – was officially launched last week thanks to a new building made possible by an £11m investment from Enfield Council, although the school is run by Connect Education Trust.

It replaces the outdated former Aylands School buildings with a modern, purpose-built facility. The new building accommodates nine classrooms, providing places for up to 72 pupils.

Abdul Abdullahi, cabinet member for children’s services, who was invited to help officially open the school, said: “This is a landmark moment for us as it reflects Enfield’s long-term commitment to high-quality Send education.

“Fern House School is an example of our dedication to Send provision for children with special educational needs. We’re proud to have facilitated a building that is not only fully funded and future-proofed but will also support children and families for generations to come.

“This school represents our community’s belief that every child, whatever their needs, deserves the very best opportunities to thrive, to learn, and to be happy.”

The school facilities have been designed to support the fully-rounded education offered to children and to “empower them to learn and succeed”. Facilities include a soft play and sensory room, specialist teaching spaces for arts, food, technology and media, a dance studio, a 3G multi use games area, and more.

Fern House School is part of the Connect Education Trust, a multi-academy trust with seven schools across Enfield.

Androulla Nicou, Connect’s chief executive, said: “The building is a great learning environment, but that is just part of a much broader story. For our pupils to achieve their own goals and ambitions, it is also about the partnership between great teachers, children who believe in themselves and their supportive families.

“Whether it be the working relationship between the local authority and trust to deliver this brilliant building, or the sense of community that will help drive this school forward, it is that sense of partnership that is the real foundation stone for Fern House. We look forward to seeing what this school can achieve both now, and for generations to come.”

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.