Hackney Ark - NHS service for SEND children & young people in the City
Hackney Ark is a diagnostic and specialist outpatients NHS service for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. Services are provided from a central building, Hackney Ark, and in the community or home if appropriate. The centre brings together services from across education, health and social care to provide integrated multi-disciplinary oversight and responses to the needs of disabled children and their families.
City of London children are directed to Hackney Ark for specialist care because the City of London Corporation and the London Borough of Hackney share integrated healthcare and special educational needs (SEN) services. Instead of duplicating costly medical facilities, the two local authorities pool resources to provide a single, state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapy hub.
It operates as the central specialist Child Development and Disability Centre for the City and Hackney, children requiring specific multi-disciplinary evaluations are referred there.
Activities we offer
• portage drop-ins every Monday afternoon, offering early-years development and play • advice physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• toy library every Wednesday afternoon
• regular siblings groups for the brothers and sisters of disabled children with ASD
• community children’s nursing team (CCNT)
• autism support group for the parents and carers of children with ASD
• positive parenting sessions offering tips and the chance to share advice
Services available at this facility include:
• Specialist Assessments: Coordinated health, education, and social care evaluations.
• Therapy Services: On-site children's physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
• Specialist CAMHS: Mental health and emotional support for children living with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions.
• Audiology & Continence: Dedicated clinics for hearing assessment and continence management.
Resource Centre
The Resource Centre at Hackney Ark is a one-stop shop for information, advice and support welcoming professionals, parents/carers of children with disabilities and SEN. A range of services are available when you visit.
A library of books, information leaflets, funding packs and two public computers equipped with internet access and learning aids. The Resource Centre has received fantastic feedback from parents/carers and professionals alike.
How to refer to Hackney Ark
Referrals can be made in person, over the phone or via email with no need to book an appointment.
For more information on the range of community health services available for local children, visit the Hackney and City Health Visiting resource page.
Hackney Ark opening times are 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. (Lunch 1pm-2pm). Feel free to drop in or call us on 020 7014 7005.
Hackney Ark
Downs Park Road
Hackney
London
E8 2HY