ECHO

Welcome to The Echo

We are delighted to welcome children and families to The Echo, our brand-new specialist SEND provision, which opened in September 2026.
The Echo provides a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where children are supported to develop their communication, confidence, independence and love of learning. We recognise and celebrate each child as an individual, building on their strengths, interests and unique ways of communicating.

Our Vision and Approach
We believe that positive relationships are at the heart of successful learning. Our team takes time to understand each child—their communication style, interests, personality, strengths and the things
that motivate them.
Our approach combines informal and semi-formal learning, allowing children to access learning in ways that are meaningful and appropriate for them. Children have opportunities to learn individually and in small groups, developing their communication, social interaction and confidence alongside their academic and developmental skills.
We want every child to feel safe, understood, valued and listened to, giving them the confidence to explore their environment, express themselves and become increasingly independent.

Our Learning Environment
The Echo offers a warm and welcoming environment where children can learn, explore and develop at their own pace.
Children learn in small groups, supported by experienced staff who adapt teaching, communication and the environment to meet individual needs.

Our specialist spaces include:
A dedicated sensory room
A breakout room providing a calm space when needed
A dedicated outdoor learning area
Two large classrooms and additional provision space
A purpose designed changing space and dedicated toilets
Specialist resources to support communication, sensory development and learning

We place a strong emphasis on sensory play, exploratory learning and hands-on experiences, alongside targeted interventions that support children's development.

The Echo is also part of our wider school community. Where appropriate, children have opportunities to take part in mainstream school activities and experiences, building friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging.

Teaching and Curriculum

Our curriculum is individualised to each children's needs, interests and developmental stage. Carefully planned adaptations and a range of teaching approaches enable children to access a broad and engaging curriculum.
Alongside their learning, children receive targeted speech and language support and opportunities to develop communication, social interaction, learning skills and independence.
We place particular importance on developing key life skills and preparing children for greater independence. Regular visits into the local community provide opportunities to practise these skills in real-life situations.
Where appropriate, children also have opportunities to learn and participate alongside their mainstream peers.

Our Team
The Echo is supported by a dedicated team who work closely together to provide consistent and personalised support. The Echo is lead by our experienced SEND teacher, Mrs Marks, and overseen by our Assistant Head Teacher (SEND & Inclusion), Mrs Matthes. The unit is supported by Mrs Grindley, Ms Jones, Miss Munnelly. Speech and language is supported by Miss Simpson.
We work closely with families and relevant professionals to ensure that children receive appropriate support and that their individual needs remain at the heart of their education.

A Day at The Echo
Our school day runs from 8:45am to 3:00pm.
Where transport is required, arrangements are made through the EHCP team.
Each day is carefully structured to provide a balance of learning, communication, sensory experiences, play, social opportunities and the development of independence.
Routines are adapted where necessary to help children feel
secure and ready to learn.
Children wear the schools usual uniform, with individual sensory needs taken into consideration. Reasonable adaptations can be made where appropriate to support children's comfort and ability to engage in school life.

Children have access to school lunches, with appropriate arrangements made to meet individual needs.
Working with Families We believe that strong partnerships with families are essential. We value open, positive communication and work alongside parents and carers to celebrate children's progress and support
their development. ClassDojo is used as one of our key methods of communication with families, alongside a handover at the start and end of the day.

For enquiries about The Echo, please contact the school's main office, who will direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of staff.

Who Does The Echo Support?
The Echo is a specialist provision for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and whose primary area of need is Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). This includes children with Autism Spectrum Conditions where communication is their main area of need.
Our children have a range of communication, learning and developmental profiles. All pupils are expected to be able to engage in learning activities with appropriate support and to interact with adults and peers in their own way.
The Echo has 16 places and is currently full for 2026/2027.
Placements are agreed through consultation between the school and the Local Authority, in line with the children's EHCP and identified needs.

Every Child Has a Voice
At The Echo, we believe that every child has something to say, something to contribute and something to offer.
Our specialist provision is built around understanding children as individuals and creating the right conditions for them to learn,
communicate and thrive.
We look forward to sharing the learning, achievements and successes of our Echo children and families with our wider school community.