A Place to Feel Safe, Communicate and Thrive

At Hawthorn Tree Primary School, The NEST is our specialist teaching and support provision for children with communication and interaction needs, including those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) profile.

The NEST provides a calm, nurturing and structured environment where children feel safe, understood and supported to develop the skills they need to access learning, build relationships and achieve their full potential. We recognise that every child is unique, and our personalised approach helps children develop confidence, independence and emotional regulation in a way that is right for them.

Our experienced staff work closely with families, teachers and external professionals to ensure that children receive consistent support across school. Through carefully planned routines, sensory regulation strategies and communication-focused teaching, we help children feel ready to learn and fully engage with school life.

Our Approach

The NEST focuses on developing:

• Communication and language skills
• Social interaction and relationship-building
• Emotional regulation and self-awareness
• Confidence and independence
• Listening, understanding and conversational skills
• Social understanding and problem-solving
• Readiness for learning

We use a range of supportive strategies and resources, including visual timetables, communication boards, Makaton, Widgit symbols, sensory tools and individual regulation plans to help children access learning successfully.

Living Our R.I.C.H.E.R Values

The NEST is rooted in Hawthorn Tree's R.I.C.H.E.R values:

• Respect – valuing ourselves, others and our environment.
• Inclusive – ensuring every child feels welcomed, understood and belongs.
• Care – creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported.
• Honesty – encouraging children to communicate openly and build trusting relationships.
• Empathy – helping children recognise and understand the feelings and perspectives of others.
• Resilience – developing confidence, independence and the ability to overcome challenges.

These values are woven through every interaction, routine and learning experience within The NEST, helping children develop the social, emotional and communication skills needed to thrive in school and beyond.

Who Is The NEST For?

The NEST supports pupils who:

• Have communication and interaction needs.
• Have an ASD profile.
• Require support to understand and express their thoughts, feelings and needs.
• Benefit from predictable routines and structured support.
• Need help with emotional regulation in order to access learning.

Working in Partnership with Families

We believe that the best outcomes are achieved when school and home work together. Parents and carers are important partners in their child's journey, and we regularly communicate with families to celebrate successes, review progress and discuss strategies that can be used both at home and at school.

If you would like to find out more about The NEST or discuss support for your child, please speak to your child's class teacher or contact the school office. A member of our Inclusion Team will be happy to answer any questions and discuss the support available.

The NEST is more than a learning space. It is a place where children feel safe, valued and understood, enabling them to grow in confidence, develop meaningful communication skills and become R.I.C.H.E.R every day.