‘The Nest’ (New for September 2026)

An Inclusion Base for Speech, Language and Communication Support

‘The Nest’ has been developed to provide a dedicated nurturing and supportive environment for children with identified Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) who are on roll at Thornhill Primary School both with and without an EHCP. The provision is being introduced to help identified pupils develop their communication, language, social interaction and confidence skills, enabling them to access learning successfully and achieve their full potential.

The Inclusion Base will support a maximum of 12 children from 2-years old, full-time & part-time allowing for a highly personalised approach and targeted support within a small-group setting. Pupils will benefit from structured teaching, individualised programmes and opportunities to develop communication skills throughout the school day. The bespoke curriculum will include daily interventions, a sensory curriculum as well as Life Skill opportunities on and offsite.

Pupils who are supported in the Inclusion Base will have been identified by staff and the SENCo as benefitting from a tailored environment, receiving a personalised approach within a small-group setting to support their progress. The amount of time each day a child accesses the Inclusion Base will be individual to each child and their needs. This may vary from full-time to part-time alongside their mainstream class.

Our staff work closely with families, class teachers and external professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists, to ensure that each child’s needs are understood and supported effectively. Through a combination of specialist interventions, inclusive practice and a caring environment, children will build the skills they need to communicate confidently and participate fully in school life.

The Inclusion Base is a vital addition and an integral part of our school community, promoting inclusion, independence and positive outcomes for every child.