The Captains Nest

Who Are We?

The Captain’s Nest is a Specialist Enhanced Resource Base for pupils with a Communication and Interaction primary need. The Captain’s Nest was opened in January 2020 for pupils in receipt of an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP) for Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The Nest has grown from 4 pupils in the first year to becoming a vibrant well-equipped 12-place provision for children of primary school age. Last year we underwent a transition from being a SEMH provision to now being a bespoke provision to support Communication and Interaction as the primary need. 

In the Captain’s Nest we work hard to ensure that we provide a caring and aspirational environment where pupils feel safe, valued and respected to allow them to thrive. Pupils in the Nest have access to a rich and varied curriculum, which balances academic knowledge, skills and understanding alongside a range of therapeutic interventions.

Our Staff

Mrs Alaniese Breen – Class Teacher – currently on maternity leave

Mrs Ellen Given – Class teacher

Miss Thea Hughes – Class teacher

Mrs Sue Smith – LSA

Miss Amy Coombe – LSA

Miss Jess Dowell – LSA

Miss Kimberley Summers – LSA

Miss Tilly Sessions – LSA

Mrs Anne Reeves – LSA

What do we offer?

We offer expertise in providing bespoke, nurturing care and education to offer outstanding, fully inclusive and personalised learning experiences for pupils who are currently not fully accessing the National Curriculum or having their needs met within a mainstream primary school. We believe that, with appropriate support, pupils with Communication and Interaction needs can be enabled to accelerate their development and achieve outcomes at least in line with those of their peers.

The Captain’s Nest is organised on a day-to-day basis by professional staff members with a range of specialist education experiences. The structure of the day, the resourcing and the classroom environments will all be based around the individual needs of your child. The outcomes in the child’s EHCP will be the starting point for all their learning programmes.

We have a range of resources at the school to support each child’s learning and progress with large teaching areas and meeting rooms, a range of creative and traditional teaching resources to engage our children to learn, safe spaces including sensory zones and light and sound zones. We have large outdoor areas including a playground, a field and outdoor playground equipment. We have recently developed EYFS and Preschool play and learn outdoor spaces as well as the gardening area and KS1 playground. We have ideas to develop the Forest school area. Children can also access sensory opportunities throughout the day as required to support emotional regulation and concentration. We have a large selection of music equipment and there is the option for your child to attend Rock Steady music classes. All children in Key Stage 2 have their own personal laptop which is used to facilitate our blended learning environment and further engage children in their learning. On these devices, we have a suite of online learning opportunities and a curriculum and assessment system designed to tailor specific progress and feedback opportunities for the needs of your child.

What does the day look like?

School starts for children in the Captain’s Nest at 8:20am with the majority of our children arriving by SEN transport (taxi). Our staff are ready to greet the children and welcome them into school each day. A range of healthy options for breakfast is available and children enjoy using this time to build positive relationships with staff and their peers. A visual timetable is displayed in both classes and the morning routine involves talking to the children about the day ahead and engaging them in settling activities. The school day ends for children in the Nest at 3.00pm.

Communication with parents and carers is an important aspect of the support we provide in the Captain’s Nest. Our staff therefore contact parents and carers either by phone, email or Class Dojo to share an overview of their learning. Staff share copies of work home that the children are proud of, or send photos to celebrate their successes on Class Dojo.

Travel Arrangements

SEND travel arrangements are available for all children with The Captain’s Nest named on their EHCP who are living over 3 miles away from school. On confirmation of a place in the Nest, parents and carers are asked to contact SENA Transport to arrange transport.

What do you need to do next?

If you think that we’d suit your child’s needs, please call the office team if you wish to arrange a visit. You must also discuss a placement in the Captain’s Nest with SENA, as we receive consults for places directly from them. SENA determine which pupils will be allocated spaces if they become available in the Nest. If you have any further questions please contact the school office and ask to speak to our SENCo – Vikki Chapman.