St Benedict's Primary School

Benny's Base at St. Benedict’s Primary School is a specialist provision for pupils with Autism, and Cognition and Learning needs. It is an important part of our inclusive school community, where every child is valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential. Our work is rooted in our school vision,

 

“We are enjoying our rights and fulfilling our dreams.”

 

Opened in September 2024 and expanded in September 2025, Benny's Base includes two specialist classes for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who have been allocated a Resource Base placement by Birmingham Local Authority through the Special Educational Needs and Review Service (SENAR). Benny's Base works closely with our mainstream classes to provide personalised support while promoting meaningful inclusion throughout school life.  

 

Benny's Base is a nuturing and inclusive specialist Resource Base, supporting pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilties (SEND).  We provide personailised learning, specialist teaching and targeted interventions that enable pupils to develop confidence, independence and the skills they need to thrive both academically and socially.

 

Our curriculum is carefully tailored to meet each child’s individual needs, helping pupils to develop communication, independence, emotional regulation and learning skills. We use a range of specialist approaches and frameworks, including the Neuroinclusive Education Network (NEN), Cherry Garden Framework, SCERTS and Birmingham Continuums, to ensure every child can make meaningful progress from their starting point.

 

 

Our Resource Base provision is organised into four specialist classrooms, each designed to meet pupils' individual and learning needs.

 

The Den supports pupils with the most complex needs.  It provides a highly structured, low-arousal and nurturing environment where learning is carefully personalised, focusing on communication and interaction, engagement, sensory regulation, independence and life skills.

 

The Hive supports pupils working broadly with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Year 1 curriculum.  Learning is practical, engaging and tailored to individual needs, with a strong focus on communication, social interaction, early literacy and numeracy skills and emotional regulation.

 

The Reef supports pupils working within the Year 1 and Year 2 National Curriculum.  Pupils access an ambitious and adapted curriculum that develops academic knowledge alongside communication, independence and social skills, while preparing them for increased participation in mainstream learning.

 

The Nest is a small, low-arousal, nuturing provision for Reception-aged children who require additional support as they begin their school journey.  The environment is designed to promote communication, social development and readiness for learning through play-based and highly supportive experiences.

 

At St. Benedict's, we believe inclusion is a journey.  We have an intentional pathway to mainstream that supports pupils to access learning with their mainstream class whenever appropriate.  Through carefully planned intergration opportunities, pupils build the confidence, independence and skills needed to participate successfully in wider school life.  The level of mainstream access is individually tailored and may include joining their peers for specific lessons, playtime, enrichment activities, assemblies, educational visits and whole-school events.  Our aim is to ensure every pupil feels a valued member of the St. Benedict's community while receiving the specialist support they need to achieve their full potential.

 

Pupils are encouraged to take part in the full life of the school. Children access a wide range of creative, cultural and sporting opportunities, including music projects with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, gardening activities, performances, clubs, swimming, football activities through Birmingham City Football Club and inclusive sporting events. These experiences help pupils develop confidence, independence, friendships and a strong sense of belonging within the wider school community.

 

Our inclusive practice has been recognised through a range of external awards, including the Inclusion Quality Mark, Gold Rights Respecting School Award, School of Sanctuary and SEND Co-Production Award.

 

 

“There is a huge emphasis on belonging and celebrating within St Benedict’s. SEND provision is seamlessly blended into mainstream provision.” – SEND Governor, Inclusion Quality Mark Review. 

 

Parents tell us that the Resource Base has had a positive impact on their children's confidence, communication and enjoyment of school. Families value the caring relationships developed with staff, the personalised support provided for each child and the strong partnership between home and school. During the Inclusion Quality Mark review, parents spoke positively about the support they receive and the opportunities available to engage with school life through meetings, workshops and celebrations.