The Hive 

The Hive – our Enhanced Resource Provision (ERP) at Irlam Endowed, provides a specialist and nurturing educational environment for children with speech, language and communication needs. Some of our pupils may have a diagnosis of ASD and/or DLD. Children within the enhanced resource provision receive intensive teaching, which is personalised to their EHCP, developmental and academic targets. Our children receive regular speech and language therapy from our speech therapist and weekly follow up work from our ELKLAN trained TA. 

Our enhanced resource provision has 16 places for children aged between 4 and 11. Originally we were a Key Stage 1, eight place Language Resource Provision which first opened in 1992, but this was extended in September 2024 to a 16 place provision offering places for children across the whole primary school phase. All children within The Hive have an EHCP, with their primary area of need being speech, language and communication. All admissions to The Hive are via the Salford SEND Team. 

The staff within The Hive are experienced and trained in working with children with special educational needs. The provision is led by the school SENDCo and a second teacher and TAs make up the dedicated team. Staff work closely together as part of a team to ensure that all our children are happy and confident learners, who are supported to make maximum progress from their individual starting points.

Pathways

All children in The Hive take a full and active part in the life of the school.  They join the mainstream children at playtimes and dinner times to allow for friendships to form and positive relationships to be built. Children in The Hive are also involved in whole school assemblies as well as joining their mainstream classes for trips and unique experiences. 

Children within the provision will follow one of three curriculum paths: 

Pathway 1: Developmental leading to EYFS 

Pathway 2: EYFS Curriculum  

Pathway 3: National Curriculum (Years 1-6)

Pathways are based on children's needs and abilities and not on their chronological age. 

Children who are working below the EYFS curriculum will follow Pathway 1. This involves a personalised curriculum based on a child's developmental needs and in line with Development Matters and other key developmental milestones. The curriculum focuses on the child’s unique objectives taken from their EHCP.

Pathway 2 is for our EYFS pupils and it is designed to mirror the EYFS provision within the mainstream class of the school. This allows for some integration into the mainstream EYFS provision where appropriate for children to develop their communication and interaction skills. Continuous Provision and outdoor learning is available within the resource to support children in accessing this pathway. 

Children following Pathways 1 and 2 are in room 1 and are our Honey Bees class.

For children who are able to access the National Curriculum with personalised adjustments, Pathway 3 is available. Teaching on this pathway is more formal and subject specific and mirrors the curriculum being taught within mainstream classes. Core subjects are taught within the provision and adaptations are made to support our pupils learning.  Foundation subjects are taught within the mainstream classes.

Children following Pathway 3 are in room 2 and are our Bumble Bees class. 

Integration within the mainstream

Children within The Hive integrate into their mainstream classes for foundation lessons as this is an important part of their social interaction with others.  The level of integration differs for each child, depending on their attention and listening skills and ability to access the curriculum. Some children may integrate for short periods of lessons, whilst others integrate for all foundation subjects.   

At every stage of a child's journey in The Hive, parents and carers are actively involved. Where possible, parent/carers' wishes are sought to ensure there is a positive and collaborative partnership between home, school and the Local Education Authority to best meet the needs of the child.

Transport 

Some children may be eligible to be transported between home and school in a minibus or taxi, according to the Local Education Authority Transport Policy. There is an escort on the transport who has responsibility for the children and supports them on the journey to and from school.  For more information as to whether your child is eligible for this, please speak to your child's SEND Caseworker.