We are in the process of developing a unique transitional school whereby pupils with SEMH difficulties come to us to learn the skills they need to transition back into mainstream education. In addition, our experienced SEND staff will be offering training to mainstream schools in how to work more effectively with SEMH pupils. This will aid not only the children, but also build the capacity of local mainstream schools to work with local SEMH pupils.
Children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs often find classroom based education difficult. Our school will be outdoors based, where children learn important social, emotional and life skills, while experiencing academic achievement in a woodland setting. Research has shown that immersion in a woodland environment lowers anxiety levels and enhances wellbeing, an essential prerequisite to deeper learning.
We will offer pupils the chance to develop their own unique way of overcoming their fears and moving through life’s changes. Many pupils, particularly those with ASD diagnoses, find change difficult. By experiencing the daily and seasonal changes all around them they will begin to find a sense of themselves moving through change in a more harmonious way.
For pupils with a traumatic history, being in a woodland offers a chance to reduce their anxiety levels and learn more effectively. A qualified specialist counsellor will be available should any pupils require additional therapeutic support.
Our location
Located in an idyllic Sussex woodland setting, our school will offer pupils a unique opportunity to learn in a calm, supportive, green environment. Instead of a traditional school building, our pupils will be initially be based out of a series of upgraded Bell tents which offer protection from the elements and a warm cosy wood heated space for coursework. This provides a secure base for their woodland learning and electrical power for ICT and projects.
They will have access to all the usual modern conveniences such as toilets and running water for hand washing, plus a rustic camp kitchen and fire ring.
Our Curriculum
Our challenging curriculum will cover traditional English, Maths, Science, ICT and PSHE education, enhanced with emotional and life skills mentoring. Children’s learning will be tailored to their particular interests through a project based format that enables the flexibility to achieve in a way that suits each learner. Parents will be able to track their pupils educational progression and growing self confidence through an online app which ties into the pupils coursework files.
Learning through doing
Pupils will be involved as much as possible in the daily running of the school. This includes cooking healthy lunches, lighting the wood burners, making tea in the Billie kettle, making repairs or cutting firewood. They will also be involved in building their new eco classroom from ecologically sustainable materials!
They will be supported in making budgets, purchasing materials for projects, ordering online and emailing suppliers.
Pupils will gain real world safety experience through risk accessing their own activities and helping keep their friends safe as well.
We will offer a unique specialist provision that is ideally suited to meet the needs of children aged 6 -11 with EHCP’s specifying a range of diagnoses and school refusers. Please contact us for further information or to arrange a visit. info@tie.education