Welcome to the Special Schools News & Events index Back to News & Events Hillingdon Manor School, which provides specialist education for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), has been acquired by Hillcrest, one of the UK's leading independent providers of children's homes, foster care and learning disability services. Hillingdon Manor, which caters for up to 90 children, was co founded by Anna Kennedy, herself the mother of two boys with ASD, when she could find no suitable local provision in Hillingdon, West London. The school has earned considerable recognition for its outstanding work, and caught the imagination of Esther Rantzen who is now its patron. Anna Kennedy's crusading experiences are captured in her inspiring book "Not Stupid" which won national acclaim, and her story was also featured on an hour long BBC 'pick of the day' video diary. Commenting on the acquisition Barry Sampson, Chairman and Founder of Hillcrest said: "We are delighted to be adding Hillingdon Manor School to the Hillcrest family. After our acquisition of Orange Grove foster care last year, which is going from strength to strength, we were keen to continue the strategic growth of Hillcrest into associated areas." Welcoming the development as a means of expanding and enhancing the existing services, Anna Kennedy said. "When we started Hillingdon Manor I was determined that my children, and others like them, would be able to get high quality care and support at an early stage. Our approach has been very successful in getting young people with ASD to make real educational progress, including passing their GCEs, through the work done at the school. We are very excited about taking the school forward into its next stage of development with Hillcrest Care." Anna will remain in her role as director of Hillingdon Manor school and other adult provision (which includes West Middlesex College, The Old Vicarage and Summacare), working closely with the Hillcrest management team to build on the excellent achievements to date. Being part of the Hillcrest group will provide the school with greater support and access to funds for expansion and development of services. Hillcrest have already added an extra classroom block to help ease excess demand and other developments are planned.