What is ‘The Nest’?
‘The Nest’ is an SEN provision within Thames Primary Academy which caters for children with an EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan) for SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental Health).
We have 24 pupils in three classes in our Nest provision – Robins Class Y1-2 pupils, Owls Class Y3-4 pupils and Eagles Class Y5-6 pupils. In addition to the class teacher in each class we have two SEMH specialist support assistants in each class and a Learning Mentor that works across the Nest classes.
Transferring to ‘The Nest’ will see the children join the wider Thames family. As and where appropriate, they will participate in whole school provision and events such as assemblies, world book days, sports days etc.
The Curriculum
At Thames we strive to offer all of our pupils the best possible, rounded education, taking the whole child into account. We want them to have excellent subject knowledge and skills; and to leave us as caring, respectful, tolerant and enthusiastic learners who are well-equipped for the next stage(s) of their learning journey.
The Nest’s curriculum and environment has been carefully designed to ensure that students are fully supported in order to achieve and succeed; removing any barriers to learning in the hope that some may be able to reintegrate fully back into mainstream provision.
The curriculum is largely based on the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2 and is differentiated accordingly to meet each child’s individual needs.
All pupils have access to ‘specialist support’ including those from the Blackpool Inclusion Team, Educational Psychology services, Primary Mental Health workers and Speech and Language therapists.
There will also be access to a wide range of interventions and programmes too including Zones of Regulation, the Boxall Profile, Lego Therapy, Art therapy, Resilience Building and Mindfulness.
Our Ethos
All staff who work in ‘The Nest’ are specially trained to recognise the varying needs of the pupils in their care. They work collaboratively to engage them in education through the six key principles of nurture (see below) and encourage them to make ‘good, positive choices’ (and the right ones).
– Children’s learning is understood developmentally
– The classroom offers a safe base
– The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing
– Language is a vital means of communication
– All behaviour is communication
– The importance of transition in children’s lives
Our Team
