Wakefield Snapethorpe Primary School

At Snapethorpe Primary School, the Blossom Room is our Social Communication and Language Provision, designed for pupils with significant speech, language, communication, sensory and social interaction needs. It provides a nurturing, low-arousal environment where children can develop the foundations they need to communicate, engage, learn and thrive.

The Blossom Room follows a highly personalised, developmental curriculum that prioritises early communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing and the development of secure, trusting relationships. As a sensory classroom, we recognise that effective regulation and engagement are often essential prerequisites for learning. Carefully planned sensory experiences and sensory-based approaches are embedded throughout the day to support children’s readiness to learn, emotional wellbeing and participation.

A total communication approach is at the heart of our practice. Staff use objects of reference, photographs, symbols, visual timetables and consistent routines to support understanding and help pupils express themselves. Learning is delivered through play-based, sensory and experiential activities, often within 1:1 or small-group sessions, ensuring every child receives the support they need to succeed.

Provision is informed by EYFS principles and focuses on small-step progress in communication, independence, emotional regulation and life skills. Children access a curriculum tailored to their individual strengths, interests and needs, with a range of targeted approaches and interventions used to develop communication, attention, engagement and early learning skills. Support is closely aligned to EHCP and My Support Plan outcomes and may include collaboration with Speech and Language Therapists and other external professionals.

While pupils remain valued members of their mainstream class, the Blossom Room provides personalised teaching, targeted support and carefully planned opportunities for success, helping children to develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed to access learning and reach their full potential. We believe every child learns differently, and our provision enables each child to flourish at their own pace within a supportive and inclusive environment.