SEND Unit
Welcome to The Hub
At Shepherd Primary School we have an SEND Unit, which supports children with significant cognition and learning needs.
We are delighted to offer a unique and nurturing approach to SEND through our Special Educational Needs 
Hub. The Hub provides a supportive, inclusive environment for children who may find some aspects of school challenging. Our aim is to understand each child as an individual and provide a personalised approach to learning that builds on their strengths, interests and individual needs. Children accessing the Hub spend part of their school day learning with our Hub staff, while continuing to be an important part of their class community. They join their peers for whole-class learning and other aspects of school life wherever appropriate. This flexible approach allows us to provide additional support while maintaining a strong sense of belonging and inclusion.
Mrs Luts – Lead SEND Teacher
I began my teaching journey almost twenty years ago as a volunteer in a local nursery. Since then, I have worked predominantly in Early Years and Year One, developing a particular interest in supporting children to become confident, curious and happy learners. I previously spent five wonderful years at Shepherd, including working as Early Years Lead, before moving into the independent sector for three years. I missed the Shepherd community so much that I was delighted to return to take on the role of Lead SEND Teacher in The Hub. I am passionate about creating learning environments where children feel understood, valued and successful. I believe that recognising children's individual strengths and interests is an important part of helping them to engage with learning and develop confidence in themselves. Outside school, I love dancing, growing vegetables and spending a great deal of my time teaching local Zumba classes!
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do in The Hub. We recognise that children learn best when they feel safe, calm, understood and ready to learn. We want The Hub to be a place of joy: somewhere children enjoy spending time, feel comfortable being themselves and experience success. Our environment, timetable and curriculum are adapted as far as possible to meet the individual needs of the children accessing The Hub. This might include opportunities for movement, sensory experiences, time outdoors, practical learning, creative activities or periods of calm and regulation throughout the day. We understand that behaviour is a form of communication. Our staff take time to build trusting relationships with children and to understand what they may be communicating through their behaviour, emotions and responses.
Learning in The Hub
Learning in The Hub is personalised, purposeful and engaging. We work closely with class teachers and the wider SEND team to ensure that children continue to access an ambitious curriculum while receiving the additional support they need. Learning may take place individually, in small groups or alongside peers within the classroom. We particularly value hands-on, practical and interest-led learning. Children's interests can provide powerful opportunities to develop communication, language, reading, writing, mathematics, problem-solving and wider curriculum knowledge. Our provision includes opportunities for sensory and creative exploration, construction and engineering, outdoor learning and activities designed to develop communication, independence and emotional regulation.
Belonging
Above all, children accessing The Hub remain an important part of their class and of the wider Shepherd community. The Hub is not a separate place where children are expected to "fit in". Instead, it provides another way for us to adapt our provision so that every child has the opportunity to belong, participate, learn and thrive.
We celebrate difference, recognise individual strengths and work in partnership with children and their families to help every child experience success. Our aim is simple: for every child who comes through The Hub to feel safe, valued, understood and proud of who they are.