'It has been a genuine delight to see pupils flourish' - How SEND hub at Boston primary school will build on work to promote inclusivity
A primary school in Boston has spoken of its work to promote inclusivity as it gets set to host a SEND hub.
Last month, it was reported five more primary schools in Lincolnshire were due to get extra support to help children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Lincolnshire County Council is aiming to open more than 40 SEND hubs at primary schools over the next two years, with a view to keeping more children in mainstream education.
Host schools will receive funding which covers the full costs of facilitating the SEND hubs, including staffing costs.
Among the newly announced five host schools was Boston’s Hawthorn Tree School.
Sam Jessup, headteacher, told the Standard that the SEND hub would build on the work the school has been doing in terms on inclusivity.
“Since joining Hawthorn Tree School in September 2025, I have worked closely with the leadership team to develop a highly inclusive and innovative culture – one where every child, no matter their needs, is able to thrive, achieve, and truly belong,” she said. “From the outset, we shared a clear moral purpose: inclusion is not an addition to school life; it is at its heart.”
Mrs Jessup explained that the school developed a bespoke classroom designed to meet the needs of children with communication and interaction difficulties, including those with an autism spectrum profile.
“At Hawthorn Tree School, we recognise that every child has the right to learn in a safe, nurturing environment where they are included, supported, and accepted for who they are,” she continued. “This belief led to the development of The Nest – a school-led resource provision with its own sensory-informed curriculum, designed to support emotional regulation, communication, independence, and learning readiness.”
When The Nest opened to children in January, the impact was ‘immediate and deeply rewarding’, Mrs Jessup said.
“Children accessing the provision have made significant progress, not only academically, but in confidence, wellbeing, and engagement with learning,” she said. “It has been a genuine delight to see pupils flourish in an environment tailored to their individual needs.”
Staff, too, have benefited from The Nest, she said, having been involved in shaping the provision from the outset.
One staff member said: “It is lovely to see the children in The Nest happy and enjoying learning. I feel privileged to work in The Nest and have so many proud moments – it is such a rewarding job. I am really looking forward to further developments over the summer as we move towards becoming a SEND hub.”
Parents, too, have shared ‘overwhelmingly positive feedback’, Mrs Jessup said.
One wrote: “The Nest has provided a much-needed inclusive environment which has enabled my child to progress where she has not been able to in a typical classroom. Thank you.”
“My child really enjoys going to school now and feels safe and comfortable in The Nest,” said another. “I can see clear progress in speech, maths, writing, and overall development. I am very happy that this class has been created.”
Concluding, Mrs Jessup said: “As we look ahead, our ambition continues to grow. With further development planned in collaboration with the local authority as a SEND hub, The Nest stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when inclusion, collaboration, and care lead the way.”