At the Sunflowers Unit, we believe that every child is a unique individual with a wealth of untapped potential. Our mission is to provide an expert, nurturing environment where children in Reception and Key Stage 1 can flourish. We do not expect our pupils to fit into a pre-existing box; instead, we aspire to shape our teaching around them. By placing the child at the heart of everything we do. We provide the 'roots' of a stable, specialist setting and the 'wings' to help them fly towards their own personal milestones.

The school day begins at 9am and finishes at 3pm, with children being transported either by  Local Authority taxi or accompanied by their Parent/Carer.

Children arrive at the front office where they are greeted by a member of the team.  

The children who are a part of the unit are expected to wear our uniform. More information on our school uniform can be found here.

Who we support

Our unit is a specialist provision for 12 children with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), primarily focusing on Communication and Interaction (C&I). We support children who may have Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and require a more bespoke, intensive level of care than a traditional classroom can provide. Our goal is to encourage independence and foundational learning in a space designed specifically for them.

Our philosophy: aspire and achieve

In the Sunflowers Unit, we move away from a rigid National Curriculum to focus on what truly matters for our learners. All of our planning is intrinsically linked to the individual targets set out in each child’s EHCP. To ensure we Celebrate every victory, we use the Cherry Garden Assessment Framework. This specialist tool allows us to break learning down into small, meaningful steps, ensuring that no matter how tiny the progress may seem, it is recognized and built upon.

A language-rich world: The Core Word Programme

Communication is the key to everything we do. We adopt a 'Total Communication' approach, utilizing speech, signs, symbols, and high-tech AAC devices. To give our children a functional voice, we embed the Core Word Programme (developed by Jordan Garrett) into our daily lives. By focusing on high-frequency words like 'more', 'go', and 'want', we empower our children to express their needs, reducing frustration and building the confidence they need to Learn and interact with the world.

The sensory classroom: our specialist framework

We understand that the environment is a teacher in its own right. We implement The Sensory Classroom scheme (by Jordan Garrett) to ensure our physical space is consistently regulated, predictable, and optimized for engagement. By proactively managing sensory input—such as light, sound, and texture—we create a low-arousal setting where children feel safe and calm. Within this expert environment, we offer 'irresistible invitations to learn' through Attention Autism and sensory Science experiments, proving that when a child is sensory-regulated, they are ready to Achieve.

Literacy, creativity, and the 'Golden Thread'

Reading and creativity are brought to life through immersive, tactile experiences. From Tac Pac and sensory stories to messy art sessions involving finger painting and marbling, we focus on the joy of the process. Alongside this, Learning for Life (PSHE) acts as the 'Golden Thread' of our unit. We weave emotional regulation and social skills into every lesson, helping our children grow into regulated and capable members of the community.

Active bodies and outdoor discovery

Physical development and outdoor exploration are vital for the holistic wellbeing of our pupils. Within our dedicated unit garden and the local Bungay area, children engage in 'real-life learning' that stimulates all five senses. Whether we are building motor skills through purposeful play or exploring the natural world, we ensure that being active is interwoven into our curriculum, supporting healthy bodies and happy minds.

Sunflowers have their PE session on a Thursday. You can find out more information on our PE sessions here. 

Throughout the week, they take part in an exciting outdoor learning session. You can find out more information about our outdoor learning sessions here.

Staffing, expertise, and unity

To deliver this highly individualised offer, we maintain a high staff-to-child ratio, with 5 specialist adults supporting our 12 learners. Our team is expertly trained in Makaton, emotional literacy, and sensory regulation. While the Sunflowers Unit follows its own bespoke pathway, we are a proud part of Bungay Primary School and the Asset Education Trust. We share the school’s overarching leadership and safeguarding values, ensuring that our specialist expertise is backed by a strong, inclusive school community.

Our vision: A future of independence

Our ultimate goal is that when a child leaves the Sunflowers Unit, they take with them a personal "toolbox" of strategies to manage their emotions and the functional skills to communicate their needs. We achieve this through our consistent and predictable approach, which creates a secure, engaging environment where every child feels safe to learn. This sense of safety is the foundation that allows our pupils to settle, engage, and make meaningful progress.

We strive for our learners to be as independent as possible in their self-care and to have developed a wide range of interests that they can enjoy beyond the school gates. By focusing on the unique journey of the individual, we ensure our pupils don't just reach their potential—they Aspire to exceed it. We are dedicated to preparing every child in the Sunflowers Unit for a successful, happy, and confident future.

If you have any questions or queries regarding our Specialist Unit, 'Sunflowers', please speak to our SENCo and the setting's key contact, Mrs Gooderham, who would be delighted to hear from you.

Area guidelines for SEND and alternative provision