SEMH Provision
Our Mission Statement
At Vernon Terrace we aim to provide a happy and stimulating environment in which the academic, social, emotional and cultural needs of each individual child are met.
Our Provision
Our nurture provision is an invaluable resource at Vernon Terrace Primary School. It provides a bridge between home and school, where children can feel safe and secure to explore their emotional and social well-being, learn about themselves, develop and grow. We are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and young people and removing barriers to learning.
Our Rainbow Room and Star Zone are essential to the school’s inclusion and SEMH provision. Research shows that children’s learning is most effective when they have a sense of emotional well-being, good self-esteem and a feeling of belonging. Our nurture provision provides children with this opportunity, helping to develop maturity and resilience. The Rainbow Room and Star Zone are places of learning.
- Children’s learning is understood developmentally.
- The classroom offers a safe base
- All behaviour is communication
- The importance of nurture for the development of well being
- Language is a vital means of communication
- The importance of transition in children’s lives.
Nurture Sessions
Our highly experienced staff are specifically trained to work with individuals or small groups. Sessions are fun and informative, using activities and resources to motivate, engage and support the children.
Which Children Attend the Nurture Provision?
- Friendship difficulties – keeping/making friends
- Quiet, shy, withdrawn
- Find it hard to listen to others or join in
- Disruptive behaviours within the school
- Poor relationships with adults in school
- Bereavement
- Family illness or break-up
How Will the Nurture Provision Help My Child?
- To join in
- To settle down and listen
- To develop concentration levels
- To share and take turns
- To build resilience
- To build up friendships with their classmates
- It gives them a chance and helps to encourage a more positive profile among their peers and members of staff.
How Long Will My Child Be in Nurture Provision?
Sessions run four mornings or afternoons per week. Children attend for no longer than four academic terms. Nurture staff work closely with class teachers to ensure a smooth and successful transition back to class full-time after this period.
Are Parents/Carers Involved?
Our door is always open and we welcome parents/carers visiting. Special event invitations are sent out to parents to join us at special events, e.g. open afternoon.
A Typical Session in Nurture Provision
Children follow a structure and routine which includes group listening and speaking, work tasks, shared play and social skills. The group runs on consistency, positive reinforcement and praise.
A typical session in the Nurture provision would revolve around a theme or topic based on the children’s next steps. All pupils would understand what they would learn and work on individual SEMH targets during that session. Children have the opportunity to share the good news, explore thoughts and feelings and work collaboratively on practical tasks.
Children work with groups to encourage cooperation and confidence. Within the sessions, opportunities are tailored to the needs of the particular group and age range. Outdoor learning is an important part of the sessions. Children learn to share a snack together, and the opportunity is given to choose and try new foods, even baking them first! Children learn to share and talk together with peers and adults.
Referrals from our nurture provision can be made through Northamptonshire County Council.
Teacher of SEMH: Mr Robinson-Smith
Lead practitioner for SEMH: Mrs McGuire
Specialist SEMH TAs: Miss Duddy, Miss Munnelly and Mrs Newman