As part of the Isle of Wight council’s special educational needs (SEN) expansion programme, we have created therapeutic spaces, to support students and regulate their learning experiences effectively and independently.
Working with Teaching Positive Connections (TPC), the creation of these therapeutic classrooms is a new approach which supports the social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) of students. The classrooms have already been well received by teachers, parents and above all the children using them.
Increasing capacity for SEN
Greenmount has doubled its provision from 6 to 12 students and the capacity at St George’s Studio is now 20. This is a direct result of the consultations that the Isle of Wight council ran to increase capacity.
Students are attending these educational settings on a daily basis allowing staff to develop more positive relationships with students, and their families.
Gleeson: This is an exciting time to be working in specialist education
Steff Gleeson, headteacher at St Georges commented that,
“Students are telling us they love the school and enjoy coming, one KS4 student is already engaging in Maths GCSE work.
“This is an exciting time to be working in specialist education and St George’s feels privileged to have been given this opportunity to support the Isle of Wight students.”
Carter: Classrooms such as these support students’ wellbeing
Naomi Carter, Service Director Education, Inclusion and Access said,
“Our aim is to continue to provide the best educational facilities for our young people.
“Children are struggling with their mental health and classrooms such as these support their wellbeing and encourage them to develop and express their emotions in a secure environment.”
Bacon: Enables our most vulnerable young people to access supportive educational environment
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, added,
“The SEMH satellite school at St George’s Studio is a much-needed provision. It enables our most vulnerable young people to access an educational environment which will support them through their secondary education, offering a vocational and practical curriculum alongside accreditation options.
“Four students had no named education setting for September 2024; the opening of this satellite school has enabled those children to remain with their families in their local communities and access an appropriate placement on the Island.”
This part of the SEN expansion programme which will be rolled out over the coming two years.
Further information on TPC and therapeutic classrooms can be found by visiting the website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
