Stepping Stones - Specialist Unit

Our Vision 

Our vision is to provide a nurturing, language-rich and structured environment where every child feels safe, understood and supported. Through highly personalised provision and carefully sequenced developmental steps, we help each learner progress at their own pace. We are committed to developing communication, independence and regulation skills that prepare children for lifelong learning, while ensuring they are meaningfully included in the wider school community whenever appropriate. 

Our Children 

Children placed in Stepping Stones provision will typically: 

• have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) identifying Communication & Interaction and/or Cognition & Learning as their primary area of need
• require a small, structured and low-sensory learning environment with consistent staffing and predictable routines
• benefit from highly personalised teaching approaches, including explicit teaching of communication, interaction and early learning skills
• require higher adult support and scaffolding in order to access learning, but do not require constant 1:1 supervision for safety
• may experience mild anxiety or difficulties with regulation, and benefit from a calm, nurturing environment with trusted adults and clear expectations
• respond well to structured teaching approaches, visual supports and carefully sequenced learning steps

Children placed in the provision are typically able to regulate with adult support and participate safely within a small group setting
The provision is not designed for children whose primary needs relate to complex social, emotional and mental health difficulties, including persistent aggression, high levels of dysregulation or behaviours that pose a significant risk to themselves or others 

Environment & Facilities 

• two specialist classrooms
• sensory room and quiet spaces
• small-group rooms
• dedicated outdoor learning areas 

Admissions 

Placements are made via Suffolk County Council, through an EHCP consultation. 

We consider: 

• The child’s needs, in line with our admissions criteria and school readiness 
• The suitability of our Stepping Stones curriculum 
• The impact on the children already placed in our setting