New ARMS Provision, opening soon at Canons High.
September 2024
We are very pleased to announce that Canons High is soon to become an 'Additionally Resourced Mainstream School' (ARMS).
To this end, a specially designed modern 'Learning Hub' building is being constructed on site, nestling in between our existing main Teaching and Admin blocks.
It is here that we will soon be able to meet the needs of a small number of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) students who have been identified as having a greater need of assistance.
Artists impression of the new Canons High ARMS Provision Building.
Additionally Resourced Mainstream Schools
Specialist support within mainstream settings.
"Harrow Council try to make sure that, if possible, every child can attend a local school of their choice.
Most children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have their needs met by their school, but sometimes schools ask for for more help with these children."
With an ARMS provision, in our case a whole new specially built Learning Hub, students identified as having a greater need of assistance can get one-to-one or small group help from experienced staff and Special Teaching Services, whilst remaining at Canons and being part of our large school family.
Harrow currently has 16 ARMS schools, each one offering a different provision, be it for hearing impairment, physical disabilities, learning difficulties or Autism Spectrum conditions.
Building Progress.
Early September and the ground works are under way.
The frame goes up and the floor goes down.
The roof goes on.
November - week 1
Under Wraps and taking Shape.
November - week 2
External paving being completed and internal dry walling and superstructure construction well underway.
The banging, drilling and cutting sounds coming from inside just add to our eager anticipation of it being finished.
UPDATE
November - week 3
The wraps are off!
The plastic covers came off today, revealing the internal walls and layout.
Also the large window frames were installed. The glass must be going in very soon now.
UPDATE
December - week 1
The doors are on but not open to us yet.
The glass is in, the doors are on, as are the lights. We have power; and by the looks of it, air conditioning, heating and even a toilet!
UPDATE
December - week 3
It's the small things now. Looking similar to a few weeks ago, but...
...The decorators have been in, filling, rubbing and painting. The floors have been leveled and the underlay has been installed. Plumbing and electrical installations are all but complete, including the fire alarms. Plus the windows have all been fitted with their safety dots (apparently they're called glass manifestations in the trade) to prevent anyone accidentally walking into them.
UPDATE
January 17th 2025
Small details on the outside - hidden details on the inside...
...After several weeks when it was so cold that certain building adhesives and materials couldn't be installed or used, progress is under way again.
The metal fencing all around the building has gone, as has the skip. The fascia around the roof has been installed, plus the hidden guttering and its downpipes. Just today the entrance rails were cemented down whilst inside, all sorts of small but important electrical systems were being finished off. The floor will go down last, to prevent it from being damaged by any other building work.
Once it's been handed over to us, we can turn this empty building into our new Learning Hub, and that means tables, desks, chairs, cupboards and all the fittings that will make this into a calm and productive learning space.
We are really looking forward to its completion in the next few weeks.
UPDATE
February 2025
Finished, furnished and ready for Learning!
...One of the final jobs required to allow this great 'Canons Learning Hub' was to connect it up to our Fire Detection & Alarm System.
This light, airy hub consists of two large teaching spaces, a smaller, more intimate 'meeting room', a lobby area and its own toilet facilities. The first items of furniture have been moved in and all it needs now is the human touch. The specialist staff who will be teaching in this Learning Hub will bring in little touches that will turn an empty space into a comfortable and inspirational learning space.
Thank you so much to Harrow Council for their funding and support.