Management Information Sheet
New Specialist Resource Base offer - bases where all children can flourish
We are delighted to provide further details around the new offer for September 2021 developed as part of Norfolk County Council's £120 million SEND and AP transformation programme.
The new family of bases is part of the specialist resource base (SRB) programme and offers placements for children who have social, emotional and mental health needs.
What are the aims of the offer?
The operating model is underpinned by the FLOURISH principles, which sets out the county's vision for all children and young people to flourish.
The aims include:
- To enable pupils to return to mainstream education, improving their ability to emotionally self-regulate and improve pupils' mental health
- To have a clear and accessible pathway for accessing support for pupils within mainstream schools
- To work in partnership with home schools, helping them better understand how to support pupils with complex SEMH needs and to be equipped to enable successful transitions for pupils back to mainstream provision
- For families of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs to have access to appropriate support and strategies and understand how to best support their children
- For families, home schools and Bases to work collaboratively with children to enable them to flourish and make progress within a mainstream school provision
Key information about the operating model
- The Base will offer provision on five days per week, with full time placements in for the first term
- Reduced class sizes of up to 8 children with extra staffing led by a qualified teacher
- A return to home school will be agreed on a person-centred basis
- Children can attend for up to four terms with the amount of time spent back in home school anticipated to increase over time
- The home school will be supported to meet the needs of the child as part of the reintegration package
- Observations of children and advice prior to referral can be sought from Base staff
- Prior to referral, families can visit Bases at an agreed time to explore a possible placement
- If an EHCP is being requested and assessments are due, advice and support can be requested from the core team
- Access to a central team of professional advisers, funded Educational Psychologists, a newly created Family Learning team and other professionals
- Specialist interventions are available for children within the Bases following assessment from professionals
Where is the family of bases?
Four new Bases join the existing family of well-established SRBs at St Michael's Primary School, in Kings Lynn, Manor Field Infant and Nursery School in Long Stratton, and Mundesley Infant School, with a mix of new purpose built and refurbished accommodation.
| Family of Bases | Trust/Federation | Location | Key Stages | Funded places |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arden Grove Infant School | Wensum Trust | Cottinghams Dr, Norwich NR6 6QA | KS1 | 8 |
| Manor Field Infant & Nursery School | Corvus Education Trust | Manor Rd, Long Stratton, Norfolk NR15 2XR | KS1 | 8 |
| St Michael's Church of England Academy | Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust | Saddlebow Rd, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5BN | KS1 | 8 |
| Mundesley Infant and Junior Schools | The Coastal Federation | Trunch Rd, Mundesley, Norwich NR11 8LETrunch Rd, Mundesley, Norwich NR11 8LE | KS1 KS2 |
8 8 |
| Caister Infant and Junior Schools | The Caister Primary Federation | Kingston Ave, Caister-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth NR30 5ET | KS2 | 8 |
| Edith Cavell Academy & Nursery | Boudica Schools Trust | Duckett Cl, Norwich NR1 2LR | KS2 | 8 |
| Wensum Junior School | Evolution Academy Trust | Turner Rd, Norwich NR2 4HB | KS2 | 8 |
What is the Family Learning Team?
This newly created team will support relationships with children and their families and provide opportunities for families to actively participate in their child's placement and their learning.
What to do before considering a referral
Step 1 - Through the graduated approach (assess, plan, do review) the school will have identified a pupil who needs additional support over and above Provision Expected at SEN Support (PEaSS).
Step 2 - Following review of the pupil profile and published information to explore placement suitability contact your nearest SEMH Base for discussion with the SRB lead.
Step 3 - Observations will need to be arranged before any referral is completed.
- Parents and carers must be involved in discussions and agree to any referral being made
- By completing a referral the school must agree to the placement contribution rate as set on the Norfolk schools website
- As part of the terms and conditions of placement a school agreement will have been discussed and agreed between the SEMH Base and the home school
The online SRB programme referral form must be used for all SRB referrals following consultation with Base leads.
Which pupils are eligible?
All information surrounding pupil suitability is published in the SRB pages on the Norfolk schools website.
How will admissions work?
The online referral will be made in time for the SEMH Base panel meeting meetings. The admission panel dates are available online.
A letter will be sent out following the panel to referring schools and parents/carers.
If a place is offered the SEMH Base, the lead will contact you to arrange a meeting. During this we will create a placement plan where the days of attendance, support required, initial plans and transition arrangements will be made.
Transport will be arranged if families are unable to take their child to and from the placement and are eligible under the home to school transport policy.
Where do I go for further information?
All information is published on the Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers website.
Family friendly information is available on the Norfolk County Council website.
An SEMH leaflet with information for professionals detailing the offer is also available.