The Hive (SEN Unit)

Welcome to The Hive
The Hive is a specialist Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 provision designed to support children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). We provide an inclusive and nurturing learning environment with capacity for up to 16 children, where each pupil’s individual needs are at the heart of everything we do. The Hive offers a calm, supportive setting that enables all children to thrive, learn, and develop essential skills for lifelong success.

Bumblebees is a warm and nurturing class within The Hive, led by Miss Tomsett (Class Teacher) and Miss Cadman (Teaching Assistant). Our class provides specialist provision for up to eight children, focusing on developing communication, social, and academic skills through highly personalised learning experiences. We pride ourselves on creating a caring, supportive environment where every child is encouraged to explore, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential.

Our curriculum is rich, personalised, and inclusive. We focus on the individual needs and targets of each child, while also covering the statutory National Curriculum requirements for their specific year group. Learning is carefully adapted to ensure that every child can achieve success and develop a love of learning at their own pace.

The classroom is designed to support a range of learning and sensory needs. We use our main classroom for group and independent learning activities, equipped with a mobile interactive whiteboard to promote active engagement. Children can also enjoy a cosy reading area featuring a comfortable couch, weighted blanket, and sensory toys to support emotional regulation. Additional learning opportunities are provided through tuff trays and continuous provision activities, including hands-on resources like kinetic sand and creative play materials. A versatile interactive projector is available in the main classroom or Break Out Room to deliver interactive learning games, knowledge quizzes, meditation and breathing activities, and even fun team games such as virtual air hockey—all designed to support both learning and self-regulation in an enjoyable way.

Beyond the classroom, our children benefit from access to an amazing sensory room. This calming and engaging space includes mood lighting, a projected screen for ambience, bubble machines, and vibration plates, providing opportunities for children to self-regulate and participate in sensory circuits when required.

We also have a dedicated Break Out Room for smaller group or one-to-one sessions. This area includes a whiteboard for focused learning and a special Egg Chair, designed to provide a calming, immersive sensory experience with its mood lighting, 360° swivel, and sound-absorbing padded interior.

We have our own dedicated outdoor area, where children can engage in a variety of outdoor learning and play activities tailored to their needs. In addition, we have access to the wider school playground, allowing children the opportunity to participate in larger group games or social activities with the rest of the school if desired.

Each child in Bumblebees follows their own bespoke timetable, tailored to meet their unique learning and sensory needs. Our inclusive and close-knit approach ensures that every pupil in The Hive has the opportunity to thrive, grow in confidence, and enjoy learning in a supportive, inspiring environment.