A new specialist unit at a Ramsbottom primary school is being hailed as life-changing by parents of children with special educational needs.
Peel Brow Primary School has launched a dedicated SEND resource called The Hive, providing intensive, tailored support for pupils with autism and other additional needs. The unit currently offers 12 places, with a strong focus on communication, interaction and emotional regulation.
Children based in The Hive can still access parts of the mainstream school while benefiting from specialist staff and interventions. The approach includes multisensory learning, communication boards and objects of reference, all supported by a speech and language therapy team.
Parents say the new unit has transformed their children's school experience. One parent praised the open communication with staff, saying: “I love how they do everything they can to keep me in the loop with my child's learning and up-to-date tasks and things she's achieved since starting school. I can ask them anything, and they will do their absolute best to help get the answers for me.”
Another parent described marked improvements in their child’s behaviour and communication since starting in September. “He has improved massively with his speech and is improving more with his behaviour towards others,” they said. “The staff should be just as proud as I am of the progress he has made as I didn't think he would come this far in such a short period of time.”
The unit was recently visited by Wendy Young, Head of Service for Inclusion and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities at Bury Council. She praised the provision’s warm, inclusive design and staff dedication: “The school has created a warm and welcoming environment, and it is clear that thoughtful consideration has gone into designing an inclusive space that meets the needs of their children.”
Peel Brow’s specialist provision is one of more than a dozen across Bury that are part of the local authority’s investment in SEND support within mainstream settings. Over 100 places are now available in resourced provisions and SEN units across the borough.
Executive Head Teacher Kathryn Mort said: “Opening our new specialist SEND provision has brought enormous strength to Peel Brow Primary School. It has encouraged us to reflect deeply on our practice and reaffirmed how privileged we are to welcome these children as part of our school family.”
Councillor Lucy Smith, cabinet member for children and young people at Bury Council, described the unit as a “fantastic example” of inclusive education in action.
Nationally, the government has allocated £3.9 million to Bury over three years to enhance local specialist provision. This will allow the council to strengthen existing services instead of building new special schools, creating more flexible and timely support for children with complex needs.
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