Supporting Your Child at SENSES Learning Hub

At SENSES Learning Hub, we know that every child is unique - and so are their needs. With personal and professional experience as parents, SENCOs, classroom teachers and pastoral leaders, we truly understand how challenging it can be when traditional education settings don’t feel right for your child.

Alternative Provision can sound like a big step, but for many young people, it offers the safe, nurturing environment they need to truly thrive. Our studio is designed for those who benefit from a nurturing, therapeutic and empathetic approach, where creativity is used not only as a learning tool but as a way to support emotional and social wellbeing.

What We Offer

We specialise in arts based and creative learning, with opportunities in areas such as visual arts, photography, sculpture, design, digital design and mixed media. Alongside this, we provide support in core subjects like Maths and English, tailored to each student’s needs and abilities.

Our SEN framework ensures that students who need additional support receive it. If your child has an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), we can collaborate with the local authority, your child’s school and SENCO to develop a personalised package that reflects their strengths, needs, and goals.

A Typical Day at the Studio

We aim to create a calm, welcoming and structured environment that encourages creativity, confidence and connection. Here's what to expect day to day:

• Lunch & Breaks: Students should bring a packed lunch and a water bottle each day. Breaks are supervised, and students remain on site unless we are on a wellbeing walk with staff.
   
• Creative Trips: From time to time, we’ll take students on external visits, for example, to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park or local exhibitions, to inspire creativity and promote wellbeing. We’ll always let you know in advance and ask for your consent.
   
• No Smoking/Vaping: To protect wellbeing and create a safe space for all, our studio is strictly a no smoking/no vaping zone.
   
• Mobile Phone Use: During studio time, we encourage students to be screen-free to support focus and emotional regulation. While we ask students not to use phones during sessions, we understand that some may feel reassured by checking in with home during breaks. This is allowed with sensitivity. Students who find comfort in listening to music via earphones can do so with staff agreement.
   
• Emotional Support: Our approach prioritises emotional wellbeing. Students are always encouraged to speak with us if they’re feeling anxious or unwell and we will reach out to parents or carers when needed.
  
   

Keeping You Informed

Communication with families is at the heart of what we do. We provide a Daily Report for every session your child attends. This report includes:

• How your child presented on arrival
   
• Activities completed (creative and academic)
   
• Student voice and engagement
   
• Any safeguarding or pastoral concerns
   
• Contributions toward EHCP targets, if applicable
   

These reports are shared with parents/carers and, where relevant, the commissioning school or local authority. Over time, this helps build a full picture of your child’s wellbeing, progress and development.

Working Together

We know how important it is for parents and carers to feel connected and supported. We welcome informal conversations in our comfortable studio space, sometimes just sitting down with a cuppa and talking openly about what’s going on at home can be the start of finding the right support.

Alongside this, we arrange formal review meetings with all parties involved in your child’s care. These sessions help us evaluate progress, review any interventions in place and agree on next steps.

If you’d like to discuss how we can support your child at SENSES Learning Hub, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help, every step of the way.