The Den Provision

The Den is a specialist provision for students in Years 7-11 with additional complex needs, providing focused support where they may otherwise struggle within the main body of the school.

The Den has specialist teachers and smaller numbers. Alongside an adapted curriculum, significant emphasis is placed on functional life skills that will allow students to achieve the greatest degree of independence possible.

Strategies such as Social Stories, Makaton, comic strips, modelling, transition boards and self-regulation visuals are used to encourage students to take responsibility for their learning and behaviour. Focus is placed on developing daily living skills in all subjects - everything from using money to personal hygiene and safety.

Regular Speech & Language Therapy and communication groups allow students to develop functional communication, whilst weekly Music Therapy and Clever Hands sessions all help develop, self-regulation, self-management, social and fine motor skills.

Appropriate accessibility is also a focus for students in the Den. Where possible, students join their peers in the main body of the school for break/lunch times and assemblies. Where appropriate, some students may join other lessons within the school. Alongside their usual lessons, all Den students take Art, Design Technology and Food Technology with specialist teachers, and swimming lessons in a low sensory environment are offered at an external provision. In Year 10 & 11 students work towards vocational qualifications in a variety of subjects.