New specialist base for children with SEMH needs opens at Bournemouth primary school
The Beacon opened in September to support children with social, emotional and mental health needs
Children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs are now getting specialist support closer to home after a new Specialist Inclusion Base opened at a primary school in Bournemouth.
The base, called The Beacon, opened at Muscliff Primary School in September 2026 and provides specialist support for children with SEMH needs while helping them stay connected to their local school community.
Nine places have already been allocated and more are expected to be filled through BCP Council's SEND placement process.
The council describe The Beacon as a "safe and nurturing environment where children can build confidence, develop resilience and achieve their potential."
Support is tailored to each child's individual needs and is guided by Muscliff Primary School's values of resilience, kindness, aspiration, curiosity and responsibility.
The council said the Beacon is one of the early examples of how along with its partners its delivering the commitments in the recently approved SEND Reform Plan.
The aim of the plan is to help more children access the support they need closer to home.
Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills, said: "The opening of The Beacon at Muscliff Primary School is another important step in delivering the ambitions set out in our SEND Reform Plan and ensuring more children with SEND can access the right support, at the right time, closer to home.
"The approval of our SEND Reform Plan this month recognised the progress being made across our local SEND partnership, and The Beacon is a great example of how that plan is already being put into action for children and families.
"We know how important it is for children to feel part of their local school community. The Beacon will provide specialist support in a nurturing environment while helping children maintain those important connections with their peers, school and community."
Sam, whose son Tom attends The Beacon, said: "The difference for Tom has been huge. He is enjoying the setting, it is fitting his individual needs much better. All the Beacon staff are amazing. They are nurturing and adaptable, and it genuinely feels like they want to know your child individually and understand how to support their development at a pace that suits them. The sensory room is also a great addition.
"At home, the after-school transition period has improved, Tom is much more settled and regulated when he arrives home. As a parent, I feel less worried about how he is coping during the school day because I know he is getting the support he needs. I also feel less concerned about the challenges we previously faced around emotional dysregulation before and during school pick-up. The positive impact on our family has been significant."
Sarah Fenby, Headteacher at Muscliff Primary School, said: "The Beacon has been created with a clear purpose: to provide a safe, supportive and inspiring environment where children with social, emotional and mental health needs can thrive. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to shine, and our dedicated team is committed to helping each pupil build confidence, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
"As part of Muscliff Primary School, pupils at The Beacon will benefit from specialist support while remaining connected to their local school community. We are delighted to see this provision open and already making a positive difference to children and families."