The original Speech and Language Base first opened at Preston Manor School in 1999, with only five students. Over the years, it has grown and developed into a highly successful provision for the Brent Community offering tailored support for the 12 students in the ARP and other students in the mainstream with speech and language needs. 

Work began last year for Preston Manor students and staff to move from the old ARP building into a new, modern space that could cater better for the needs of the students and the community. A spacious, new area to house the speech and language ARP was found on site, which also allowed a more direct link with Compass, the ARP for students on the autistic spectrum also on the school site. 

The ARP has grown from one small classroom and office space to two large classrooms with modern technology and a large office space, allowing staff to increase the number of specialised interventions that can run. Also allowing students access to supervised before school break time and lunch clubs, full of activities to encourage and develop students’ social interactions. 

During the project’s planning stages, the students led the way in ensuring that the ARP is a place that they are proud of and want to use.  

A Year 11 Graphic Design student created the new logo; with students choosing the name “Lighthouse”, stating that ‘finding the right words is often like trying to find your way in the dark; everyone needs a Lighthouse to help find their way and their words’.