Lime Academy Hornbeam: 100 SEND Places 2026

Key Points

• Waltham Forest Council, in partnership with the Lime Trust, has unveiled proposals for a new specialist school site offering up to 100 places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• The new site will be located at the Chapel End Early Years Centre in Waltham Forest, which is relocating to Chapel End Infant School this summer.
• The site will be managed by Lime Academy Hornbeam as an extension of their existing provision in the borough.
• The school will open with 40 pupils in September 2026 and gradually expand to a capacity of 100 over a three-year period.
• Existing educational facilities at the site will be adapted for the new use to ensure the project is both time- and cost-effective.
• Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, cabinet member for children and young people, highlighted the importance of educating SEND children close to home in familiar communities.
• Councillor Gardiner noted an unprecedented increase in the number of children with SEND over recent years.
• The expansion aims to provide families with the comfort of knowing their children are educated nearby, allowing more children to be supported within their local communities.
• The initiative responds to parental feedback that children thrive when educated locally by people who know and support them.
• Dozens of children could soon benefit from these additional specialist school places under the new plans.

Waltham Forest (East London Times) February 18, 2026 – Waltham Forest Council has announced expansion plans for Lime Academy Hornbeam to create up to 100 new specialist school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at a repurposed site in the borough. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Lime Trust, will see the Chapel End Early Years Centre transformed into this new provision, with the centre itself relocating to Chapel End Infant School this summer. Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, cabinet member for children and young people, described the move as a response to surging demand, stating it will allow more families to keep their children in local education settings.

The proposals mark a significant step in addressing the growing need for SEND provision in Waltham Forest, where numbers of children requiring such support have risen sharply in recent years. By adapting existing facilities, the council aims to deliver the expansion efficiently without excessive costs or delays. Lime Academy Hornbeam, already established in the borough, will manage the site as an additional arm of its services, starting with 40 pupils in September 2026 and scaling up gradually.

What Are the Details of the New Site?

The new specialist provision will occupy the current location of the Chapel End Early Years Centre, a site well-suited for educational use due to its established infrastructure. As reported in the initial announcement covered by East London Times, the centre’s relocation to Chapel End Infant School this summer paves the way for this transformation without disrupting ongoing early years services. Existing buildings will be adapted rather than constructed from scratch, ensuring the project remains time- and cost-effective.​

Lime Academy Hornbeam will oversee operations, extending its current offerings in Waltham Forest. The school plans to admit its first cohort of 40 SEND pupils in September 2026, with capacity increasing incrementally to 100 places over the subsequent three years. This phased approach allows for smooth integration and resource scaling.

Who Is Leading This Initiative?

Waltham Forest Council is partnering directly with the Lime Trust, the organisation behind Lime Academy Hornbeam. The trust brings proven expertise in specialist education, making it a natural choice for managing the extension. Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, as cabinet member for children and young people, has been the public face of the announcement.

As reported by East London Times, Councillor Gardiner said:

“Parents often tell us that children thrive when they are educated close to home in the local communities that know and love them.”

She added:

“We are delighted to be able to open this site up to families of children with SEND and expand our school network to include 100 additional SEND places.”​

Why Is This Expansion Happening Now?

The driving factor is an “unprecedented increase” in the number of children identified with SEND in recent years, as noted by Councillor Gardiner in the East London Times coverage. This surge has strained existing provisions, prompting the council to seek local solutions that keep families together.​

Councillor Gardiner elaborated: “These families will have the comfort of knowing their child is being educated nearby.” She further stated:

“There has been an unprecedented increase in numbers of children with SEND over recent years. This new school, led by experienced partners at the Lime Trust, will mean more children can be educated in their community.”

The emphasis on community-based education aligns with parental feedback prioritising familiarity and local support networks.​

How Will the School Roll Out Over Time?

The rollout is structured for sustainability. Initial intake will be limited to 40 pupils in September 2026, allowing staff to establish operations before expansion. Over the following three years, places will increase to the full capacity of 100, ensuring quality is maintained amid growth.

Adaptations to the site will leverage pre-existing facilities, minimising construction needs. This approach not only accelerates the timeline but also controls expenditure, making the project viable within council budgets.

What Benefits Will Families Gain?

Families stand to gain significantly from localised SEND education. Councillor Gardiner, as quoted in East London Times, underscored:

“Parents often tell us that children thrive when they are educated close to home in the local communities that know and love them.”

Proximity reduces travel burdens and fosters integration with siblings and peers in mainstream settings.​

The expansion directly addresses inconsistent outcomes in SEND services, a broader issue highlighted in related regional reporting. By providing 100 additional places, Waltham Forest aims to reduce reliance on distant provisions, enhancing outcomes for dozens of children.​

What Is the Role of Lime Academy Hornbeam?

Lime Academy Hornbeam will manage the site as an extension of its borough-based services. The academy’s experience positions it well to deliver high-quality specialist education. As per the council’s announcement via East London Times, this partnership ensures the new provision benefits from established expertise.​

The trust’s involvement guarantees continuity with proven models, tailored to SEND needs. This includes specialised teaching, therapy integration, and family support systems already in place at the academy’s core site.

How Does This Fit Waltham Forest’s SEND Strategy?

This project forms part of Waltham Forest Council’s wider efforts to bolster SEND capacity amid rising demand. It responds to national trends where EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) have increased substantially, mirroring patterns in neighbouring areas like Hackney. Local adaptation of facilities exemplifies efficient resource use.​

The initiative prioritises community cohesion, keeping children rooted in Waltham Forest rather than dispersing them across London. Councillor Gardiner’s statements reinforce this:

“We are delighted to be able to open this site up to families of children with SEND.”​

What Challenges Might Arise During Expansion?

While plans emphasise efficiency, potential hurdles include the logistics of the Chapel End Early Years Centre’s relocation. Ensuring seamless transition for early years pupils to Chapel End Infant School will be crucial this summer. Phased pupil intake mitigates capacity strains, but staffing recruitment remains key.

Councillor Gardiner acknowledged demand pressures:

“There has been an unprecedented increase in numbers of children with SEND over recent years.”

Ongoing monitoring will be essential to match growth with resources.​

When Will Pupils First Enrol?

The first 40 pupils are slated to enrol in September 2026, aligning with the academic year start. Full capacity of 100 places will be reached by 2029, following the three-year ramp-up. This timeline allows for site adaptations to conclude post-relocation.

East London Times reported the council’s commitment to timely delivery, with adaptations underway to meet this schedule.​

Where Exactly Is the New Site Located?

Situated at the Chapel End Early Years Centre in Waltham Forest, the site benefits from its established educational footprint. Its relocation facilitates this repurposing without greenfield development. Proximity to local communities enhances accessibility for families.

Who Are the Key Stakeholders Involved?

Primary stakeholders include Waltham Forest Council, the Lime Trust, Lime Academy Hornbeam, and affected families. Chapel End Infant School plays a role in hosting the relocating early years centre. Parents’ input, as cited by Councillor Gardiner, shaped the community-focused rationale.​

This collaborative effort spans local government, trusts, and schools, ensuring multifaceted support.

What Feedback Have Parents Provided?

Parents have consistently advocated for local education, informing the council’s direction. As Councillor Kizzy Gardiner stated in East London Times:

“Parents often tell us that children thrive when they are educated close to home in the local communities that know and love them.”

This feedback underscores the proposals’ family-centric design.​

How Cost-Effective Is the Adaptation Approach?

By repurposing existing facilities, the project avoids high construction costs. Adaptations focus on functional upgrades for SEND needs, such as sensory rooms or accessibility enhancements. This mirrors efficient practices in regional education expansions.​

The phased rollout further optimises spending, aligning resources with pupil numbers.

What Next Steps Are Planned?

Following the announcement, the council will consult stakeholders on detailed plans. Site works will follow the early years relocation this summer, targeting the September 2026 opening. Public updates will track progress toward full capacity.

Waltham Forest’s proactive stance positions it well amid SEND pressures, as evidenced by Councillor Gardiner’s optimistic outlook.