Our Rooms
At Special Steps, we offer two early years pathways for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Both share the same caring team, SEND-informed approaches, individualised learning opportunities and access to our thoughtfully designed environments and resources. The key difference is how places are accessed and allocated.
The Hollow
Inclusive, SEND-focused Early Years Provision
The Hollow is our inclusive early years provision, welcoming children with a wide range of additional needs. We understand that every child develops differently and may benefit from adaptations to communication, routines, sensory experiences and learning. Supporting children ages 1-4
Our team works closely with families to understand each child's strengths, interests and individual support needs, encouraging confidence, communication, independence and development.
What children can access
- Individualised learning and development opportunities
- Communication support, including visual aids, symbols and SignAlong
- Sensory exploration and sensory resources
- Our Word Well and Eating as Learning approaches
- Individual Provision Maps and personalised targets where appropriate
- Flexible routines and responsive adult support
- Partnership working with families and professionals
How do I enquire about a place?
Families can complete our Waiting List Form to enquire about a place in The Hollow. We consider each enquiry individually, including the child's needs and available places. A referral through the council's Enhanced Provision placement panel is not required to enquire about The Hollow.
The Hive
Enhanced Early Years Provision
The Hive is our Worcestershire County Council-commissioned Enhanced Early Years Provision. It is intended for children with identified significant or complex SEND who experience barriers to accessing early years education, including their full Nursery Education Funding (NEF) entitlement. Supporting children ages 2-4
Children receive personalised support, meaningful learning experiences and access to our SEND-informed curriculum, communication approaches and sensory resources.
Who may be considered?
- Children with significant SEND or medical needs affecting access to early years provision
- Children unable to access their full funded entitlement because of their needs
- Children whose engagement or attendance has reduced despite appropriate support and interventions
- Children identified through the Early Years Inclusion Process with relevant professional involvement
Further council criteria apply, and priority may be given to children entering their preschool year.
How are places allocated?
Places in The Hive are considered through Worcestershire County Council's multi-agency enhanced provision placement process, rather than being allocated directly by Special Steps. Information from families, practitioners and involved professionals, such as Speech and Language Therapists or Paediatricians, may contribute to this process. The council makes placement decisions.
Where appropriate and agreed through the placement process, a child may attend The Hive alongside another early years setting, with their needs and ability to manage both environments central to the decision.
Our Staffing Ratios
Both The Hollow and The Hive operate at one adult to every two children (1:2), enabling our team to provide responsive, individualised support and build strong relationships.
1:1 support is provided where necessary, based on individual assessment, support planning and the child's needs.
These arrangements support communication, emotional regulation, safety, wellbeing and meaningful participation in learning.
One Special Steps Family
Although The Hollow and The Hive have different admissions pathways, children share access to our experienced team, carefully planned activities, sensory experiences, communication resources and outdoor learning opportunities.
Helping every child make their own special steps, at their own pace.
Interested in a Place?
Whether you're looking for an inclusive nursery place or would like to understand the enhanced provision pathway, we're happy to talk through your child's needs.