ELAN SEND education and specialist hubs

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and refers to pupils whose learning needs may differ from those of their peers. Providing effective SEND support is vital to ensure every child receives the help they need to reach their full potential. This may include smaller class sizes, specialised teaching methods, tailored learning environments, or additional support staff.

As a fully inclusive trust, ELAN is committed to ensuring that every pupil—regardless of need—is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. SEND provision is a cornerstone of our ethos, and we work hard to ensure that all pupils are treated with dignity, care, and ambition.

In addition to inclusive classroom practice, ELAN schools host a number of specialist resource bases. These bases offer targeted intervention programmes within mainstream settings, enabling pupils to make progress, achieve their outcomes, and continue accessing the wider curriculum. Each base operates as a distinct unit within the school, while maintaining strong links to the broader school community.

The Cove, (Autistic Spectrum Disorder ASD hub) at Mendip Green Primary School.

The Cove was the first primary resource base created in response to growing demand for SEND provision in North Somerset. Developed in partnership with Nailsea School (home to the first secondary resource base), Mendip Green piloted evidence-based systems to create a high-quality, effective learning environment.

• Supports up to 10 pupils from EYFS to Year 6
• Pupils remain part of a mainstream class while receiving tailored support
• Individual timetables and plans are reviewed regularly
• Staff receive ongoing training to ensure consistency across the school
• Places are allocated via the local authority and external agencies
• Outreach support is also offered to other schools

Hearing and Language Resource Base (HLRB) at Mendip Green Primary School.

The HLRB is North Somerset’s only specialist provision for pupils with hearing impairment.

• Offers direct teaching in a quieter, low-distraction environment
• Focuses on speech, language, and communication development
• Curriculum is highly visual, practical, and adapted to individual needs
• Emotional and social support is embedded in daily provision
• Pupils work on EHCP (education health care plan) targets alongside mainstream learning

Treetops Resource Base at Locking Primary School.

Opened in September 2023, Treetops provides early intervention for pupils with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and developmental delay. Treetops offers a bespoke learning environment for pupils who have access to education in the resource base, but also remain part of a mainstream class family and are very much part of the whole school.

• Supports up to 10 pupils aged 4–7
• Offers a nurturing, bespoke learning environment
• Pupils remain part of their mainstream class family
• Focuses on inclusive progress and emotional wellbeing

The Nest Nurture Hub at Bournville Primary School

Launched in December 2022, The Nest supports EYFS and KS1 pupils through a nurturing, evidence-based approach.

• Part of a local authority pilot in partnership with Nurture UK
• Whole-school nurture principles benefit every child
• Bespoke environment helps close early SEND gaps
• Pupils remain connected to their mainstream class
• Staff are fully trained in Nurture UK principles

The Den at Milton Park Primary School.

The Den supports pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated needs from EYFS (early years foundation stage) to Year 4.

• 10-place resource base with bespoke teaching and small group work
• Pupils integrate with mainstream classes during lessons and play
• Staff receive specialist ASD training
• Part of the Anna Freud Centre’s autism and wellbeing programme
• Places allocated via EHCP (education health care plan) and local authority liaison
• Focus on reintegration into local mainstream schools

The Cottage Nurture Hub at Mead Vale Primary School.

Opened with support from North Somerset Council, The Cottage provides a nurturing environment for pupils aged 4–11.

• Supports up to eight pupils with social, emotional, and developmental needs
• Curriculum based on the six principles of nurture
• Helps children develop confidence, resilience, and readiness to learn
• Fully integrated with OPAL (outdoor play and learning) to support wellbeing and inclusion
• Awarded the National Nurturing Schools Award in May 2025