Bearbrook Den (SEND Unit)

Bearbrook den logo

We have completely reconfigured and redesigned an area of our Mainstream school which now comprises of two large classrooms, two therapy rooms and a sensory room - all designed with the needs of the children at the heart of our provision.  The Den also has a garden with a variety of outdoor experiences to enhance the children’s learning, including access to sensory paths and planting areas, running water features, a sunken trampette, basket swing and climbing wall.Where…

Difference is celebrated, 
Experience is everything,
Nurture is key…

‘The Den’ (named after a bears home!) opened in the Summer term of 2024.

Koala class 2Koala class reading cornerLunch corridor

Outside photo 1Outside photo 2Polar bear class 2Sensory room lights on

We provide a calm and nurturing environment where children are able to access their learning in small groups.  Although their registered place will be within The Den, we are a school that whole-heartedly believes in inclusion and providing all children with what ever they need to be successful. If, and when your child is ready, they will be welcome to join particular mainstream classes for certain subjects, depending on their individual needs.  We want to encourage them to play a full part in the wider life of the school.

A child who has a mainstream place at Bearbrook Combined School does not automatically become entitled to a place at The Den.

ORGANISATION OF THE DEN

Koala Class Children in Koala class access a small amount of learning, alongside learning through play. Some of the learning is based on the Early Years curriculum.
Polar Class Children in Polar Bear class a timetable of structured learning.

Admissions

The admissions procedure for entry to The Den is through the SEND team at Buckinghamshire Council. In order to be considered for a place children must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with a diagnosis of Autism and/or on the pathway to be assessed.

For more information, please speak to your child’s EHCP Coordinator.

For further information, questions or enquiries, please drop an email to our School Office, and one of our SENDCos will come back to you.

Rosie Geddert - EY/ KS1 SENDCo     (Reception, Years 1 & 2)
Sam Spacagna - KS2 SENDCo          (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6)

Staff within the Den
Katie Smith - Co-Headteacher
Rosie Geddert - Assistant Headteacher
Samantha Spacagna - Teacher
Tierney Well - Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Amina Begum - Teaching Assistant
Chantelle Biana - Teaching Assistant
Nikki Miles - Teaching Assistant
Lucy Reed - Teaching Assistant

There are three parts to the Den curriculum

 

All three parts of the Den curriculum hold the same weighting with neither being more important than the other.

Specialist Curriculum

Relationship and Health Education

National Curriculum

  • We follow the National Curriculum
  • We use the Kapow scheme of learning for non core subjects
  • We use the Rocket Phonics Programme
  • We use White Rose Maths
  • We use Pathways to Write

Academic learning gradually increases over time and is tailored to the needs of the children in each class.

 

A TYPICAL DAY IN THE DEN