Small Specialist Classes

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Specialist Support Within Our Inclusive School Community

At Kingsway Primary School, inclusion is central to who we are and how we work. As part of our commitment to meeting the diverse and changing needs of children in our community, we are proud to offer two Small Specialist Classes (SSC) as part of our mainstream school provision.

These classes provide additional, specialist support for a small number of children who benefit from a more personalised, structured and relational approach to learning, while remaining firmly part of the Kingsway school family.

What are Small Specialist Classes?

Small Specialist Classes are designed for children who:

• have more complex or persistent SEND needs
• benefit from a smaller, lower‑arousal learning environment
• need highly personalised routines and teaching approaches
• require additional support with communication, regulation or access to learning

The purpose of SSC provision is not separation, but belonging with the right level of support. Our aim is for every child to feel safe, successful and valued, while making meaningful academic, social and emotional progress.

Our Small Specialist Classes at Kingsway

Kingsway currently has two Small Specialist Classes:

• The Nest
• The Burrow

Each class has a small cohort of pupils and a dedicated staff team who work closely together, using relational practice, adaptive teaching and enabling environments to support children to thrive.

Both classes:

• are fully part of Kingsway Primary School
• follow the same values, expectations and inclusive ethos as mainstream classes
• offer carefully structured, highly supportive environments

Leadership and oversight

The Small Specialist Classes are led by:

Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion – Mr Walker
(Lead for Small Specialist Classes at Kingsway)

Mr Walker oversees:

• curriculum and provision within the SSCs
• quality of teaching and learning
• integration with whole‑school inclusion systems
• partnership with families and external professionals

This ensures that SSC provision is coherent, ambitious and aligned with the wider Kingsway inclusion model.

The Nest

The Nest is designed to support children who benefit from:

• consistent routines
• a calm, nurturing environment
• strong emotional and relational support
• carefully scaffolded access to learning

Teaching in The Nest is highly personalised, with a focus on:

• building emotional regulation
• developing communication skills
• supporting engagement in learning
• fostering confidence and independence

The Nest Team

The team work together to provide a safe, predictable and supportive environment where children can build trust, skills and self‑belief.

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The Burrow

The Burrow supports children who:

• need a highly structured, low‑arousal learning environment
• benefit from clear routines and visual support
• require additional support with communication, regulation and independence

Teaching in The Burrow focuses on:

• adaptive, responsive teaching
• enabling environments that reduce barriers
• targeted support for learning and wellbeing
• developing independence at an appropriate pace

The Burrow Team

The Burrow team work closely with parents, specialist services and the wider school staff to ensure children feel understood, supported and successful.

Teaching and learning in the SSCs

Across both SSCs:

• teaching is rooted in Inclusive Quality First Teaching (iQFT)
• learning is broken into manageable, achievable steps
• lessons are carefully adapted to meet individual needs
• children are supported to develop independence and confidence

High expectations are maintained, with success defined through:

• progress from individual starting points
• increased regulation and engagement
• improved communication and self‑confidence

Enabling environments

The SSC classrooms are designed as enabling environments, meaning barriers to learning are actively reduced.

These environments include:

• calm, uncluttered learning spaces
• visual timetables and routines
• accessible learning and regulation tools
• flexible approaches to seating and movement

Children do not need to ask for support — it is built into their daily experience.

Inclusion within the wider school

Children in the SSCs remain valued members of the wider Kingsway community wherever appropriate. This may include:

• shared playtimes and OPAL outdoor learning
• participation in whole‑school events
• carefully supported peer interaction

Inclusion decisions are always:

• personalised
• carefully planned
• reviewed regularly
• based on children’s wellbeing and readiness

Partnership with families

Strong relationships with families are essential.

At Kingsway:

• parents and carers are involved from the outset
• communication is open, honest and respectful
• progress and provision are reviewed together
• families’ knowledge of their children is valued

Support is always child‑centred and collaborative.

Our commitment

Through The Nest and The Burrow, Kingsway Primary School is committed to:

• meeting more complex needs within an inclusive mainstream school
• providing specialist support with dignity and care
• maintaining high expectations for all learners
• embedding relational practice and belonging
• working in strong partnership with families and professionals

Our Small Specialist Classes reflect our belief that every child deserves to thrive, feel safe and belong.

If you would like to find out more about our SSC provision, please contact the school - we are always happy to talk.