Why I Created Hugi: A Different Kind of Education

As Founder and Director of Hugi, my journey into alternative provision has always been rooted in one simple belief, every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and able to belong. After over 30 years working within schools and local authority SEND services, I saw first hand that for some children, mainstream education, despite everyone’s best efforts, just doesn’t work in the way it should. Not because the child can’t learn, but because the environment, expectations, or pace don’t meet their needs at that moment in time. Hugi was created to be that different space.

Starting with the Child

At Hugi, we don’t start with the curriculum, we start with the child. Many of the children who come to us are experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, difficulties with communication, or challenges around regulation and engagement.

For these children, learning cannot come first. They need to feel safe before anything else can begin. Our approach is gently shaped by the Danish concept of Hygge, creating calm, comforting environments where children feel a true sense of safety, connection, and belonging. Our focus is on: Building a sense of safety and belonging Supporting emotional regulation Developing communication in all its forms Creating positive, shared experiences with others When these foundations are in place, learning naturally begins to follow.

The Power of Relationships

Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We take time to really understand each child, their interests, their communication style, what helps them feel calm, and what they find difficult. This allows us to respond in a way that feels consistent, predictable, and safe. We also work closely with parents, carers, schools, and multi-agency professionals, creating a joined up network of support. Open, honest communication ensures everyone is working together with shared understanding and purpose.

Learning That Feels Different

Hugi doesn’t look or feel like a traditional classroom, and that is intentional. Learning is woven into everyday experiences, through sensory exploration, outdoor learning, shared play, and meaningful interactions. Children re-engage at their own pace, in a way that feels safe and achievable. Our curriculum focuses on:

Communication

Core Skills

Wellbeing Focus and Engagement

We use approaches such as Intensive Interaction, Attention Autism, and sensory-based learning to meet children where they are, celebrating every step forward.

Supporting the Journey Back

A key part of our role is supporting what comes next. Every placement has a clear intention, to help a child move forward. This may be a return to mainstream school, a transition to a specialist setting, or another pathway that better meets their needs. Reintegration is always child-led, carefully planned, and supported through strong relationships with families and schools. We focus on rebuilding trust in education and helping children feel ready for their next step.

More Than a Provision

Hugi is more than an alternative provision, it is a place where children can begin to feel like themselves again. A place where they are accepted as they are, where relationships come first, and where they are given the time, space, and support they need to grow. I am incredibly proud of what we have created, the environments, the team, and the impact we see every day. Because when a child feels safe, connected, and understood, everything starts to change.

Tracy Rodgers Founder & Director, Hugi / Tiny Hands Big Futures