Blossom
Welcome to Blossom Specialist Unit!
Blossom is our specialist provision for pupils with Communication and Interaction needs, supporting children from Reception through to Year 6. It is a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is valued as an individual and encouraged to develop confidence, independence, and a love of learning at their own pace.
Within Blossom, all pupils work towards the outcomes identified in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Support is tailored to address the four broad areas of need:
- Communication and Interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Sensory and Physical Needs
Alongside their EHCP targets, pupils access the Blossom Curriculum, a bespoke and highly personalised curriculum designed to meet the needs of learners with complex communication and interaction difficulties. We believe that every child, regardless of their starting point, deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential through a broad, balanced, and meaningful educational experience.
Learning is topic-based, with a new theme introduced each half term. This approach provides structure and familiarity while creating exciting opportunities for children to explore, discover, and make connections with the world around them. Our curriculum is adapted to reflect each pupil's interests, strengths, and individual needs, ensuring learning remains engaging, accessible, and purposeful.
Supporting Communication, Wellbeing and Regulation
At the heart of Blossom is a strong commitment to supporting children's sensory and emotional needs. We recognise that pupils learn best when they feel safe, regulated, and understood. Children have access to calm, low-stimulation environments where they can relax, regulate, and prepare for learning.
To support communication, engagement, and development, we use a range of specialist teaching approaches and interventions, including:
- Attention Autism
- TACPAC
- Intensive Interaction
- TEACCH
- Low-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including British Sign Language (BSL) and PECS
- High-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), using technology to enhance communication and independence
Evidence for Learning
We value strong partnerships with families and believe that parents and carers should be actively involved in celebrating their child's achievements.
To share learning and progress, Blossom uses the Evidence for Learning (EfL) platform. Staff capture photographs, videos, and observations of children's achievements and developmental milestones, which are securely uploaded to each pupil's profile. Families can access this information through the Evidence for Learning Family App, helping them stay connected to their child's educational journey and celebrate successes both at school and at home.
The Evidence for Learning Family App is available to download free of charge from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Admissions
All children attending Blossom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Admission decisions are managed by Milton Keynes City Council's Special Educational Needs Department. Referrals are considered through an Inclusion Panel using the Guidelines for Admission to Specialist Provision. School leaders at Chestnuts carefully review each referral to determine whether the child's needs can be appropriately supported within Blossom and whether the provision is the right placement to enable them to thrive and succeed.