Herdley Bank
The Herdley Bank site is a specialist annex to Kirby Moor School situated in Coanwood, Northumberland. Here the focus is educating pupils who’s social, emotional and learning needs require a high level of nurturing approach. Many of the pupils need a much higher level of predictability and routine.
We aim to help children to be ready to engage with learning, to manage the anxieties they experience and to express themselves with increasing emotional literacy and confidence.
The pupils at Herdley Bank need support to develop their Emotional Literacy. Here our more vulnerable pupils can excel, we tailor the education and the learning environment – through visual clues throughout lessons, designated specific learning areas within classrooms and with multi-sensory teaching so we can meet specific needs. Staff have expertise in working with children with more complex needs and those with a combination of difficulties including:
- Autistic Spectrum Condition: Children displaying signs or traits of autism (with or without diagnosis).
- Asperger’s or high functioning autism
- Attention and concentration difficulties
- Attachment Disorders and Anxiety related difficulties
- Young people deemed hard to engage due to mental/emotional health needs including ‘school phobia’
The Herdley Bank Centre offers pupils learning and growth within a holistic, nurturing environment. Practical, hands-on activities are underpinned by the National Curriculum and supported by individual programmes and planning. We have a comprehensive assessment and tracking system which ensures pupils are taught at a level which leads them to thrive.
The location promotes a calming environment. The facilities and teaching lead pupils to make outstanding progress. Individual carefully planned robust transition programmes are in place to help to support our pupils when they are ready for the next stage of their education. This can be into Kirby Moor School, mainstream school or college. to be able to do this we invest greatly in the robust training and development of our staff and in their own pastoral care. In groups Teaching and support staff access clinical supervision to effectively account for emotional responses and support the mental health of our staff team.
The pupils are taught through a Primary model with a set class group based in a set classroom and a class teacher and class based Learning Support Assistants. This means less change throughout the day and a consistent staff team.
Our facilities include:
5 large classroom bases
Quiet spaces around the school
Outdoor undercover learning space
Pastoral team and support services
Garden area
Recreational areas
Assembly/Dining Room
Qualified nurse
Our Teaching Approach
Every class has a maximum of 6 pupils and is led by a qualified teacher and learning support assistant. The specific needs of pupils are met by developing and implementing Individual Learning Plans. Many pupils have additional interventions led by various other specially skilled adults in school.
Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are the focus of teaching and learning, with the aim to narrow any gaps our pupils may have in their knowledge and understanding.
Pupils gain self-respect and selfconfidence by experiencing success. All pupils gain accreditation at a level suited to their ability.
Pupils are grouped according to emotional literacy and academic ability. Similar ability groups ensure the curriculum is delivered at a level the individual pupil needs.
The staff are experienced in working with pupils who have encountered negative experiences at previous educational settings. Positive encouragement and learning experiences are reinforced in every area of the school to enable a young person to feel included and a part of our school.
Curriculum
All of our pupils have very individual educational needs. Some have missed large parts of their previous education whilst other pupils face specific learning challenges. All need a consistent approach and a stimulating delivery.
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