What is the Base and Sensory Room?

The Base is home to our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the Sensory Room.  The Base is the hub of the school and is designed to encourage ‘pupil voice.’ The Base ensures that the SLT are available to the children and staff on a regular basis.  It is specifically helpful for children who are having difficulties coping with their day to pop in so that they can be supported.

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The reasons for children having difficulties can be many, but to each child, their issue is the most important thing in their life at that time. Children with worries on their minds are less able to concentrate in the classroom and engage in learning.

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 For some, it can affect their ability to engage with their classmates or the adults within the classroom. At other times, children may feel angry or sad and be unable to control outbursts. However, when their issues manifest themselves, they need help and understanding.

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Bearing this in mind, we aim to offer the child individual attention and the time to talk about their issues in a relaxed and completely supportive, empathic and non-judgmental environment. Firstly, The Base doesn’t look like a traditional classroom. It is spacious and has aesthetically pleasing fake leather chairs and wooden tables.  This offers the students a more grown-up environment. The seating is arranged flexibly so that pupils can sit by themselves or in groups. The décor and setting encourage a quiet, calm atmosphere, thus helping the child relax enough to discuss their worries with a member of staff.

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Our Sensory Room was installed in December 2019 and is now welcoming children who need time to become calm and relaxed. There are times when talking may not help, and this is when children are offered the opportunity to have some time in the Sensory Room to relieve the stress and/or anxiety they are experiencing. We have found that 10 to 15 minutes works wonders.

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There is always a member of the senior leadership on duty in The Base – from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm – so your child will never be left alone.

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Our System

If a member of staff feels a pupil needs ‘time out’, they can send the child to the base, alternatively, the child may ask for ‘time out’ if they feel unable to stay in the classroom or on the playground for any reason. We aim to ensure that children are always accompanied to The Base by either an adult or a trusted classmate. By making sure the child is always with someone, we hope to help the child feel they are never alone.

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The overriding aim of The Base is to positively address the child’s issues and help them return to the classroom and social learning environment as soon as possible. Where this proves inappropriate or contrary to the needs of the child, The Base is set up to allow the pupil the opportunity to complete their work without having to return to the lesson.

 

‘The Base’ opens onto a beautiful courtyard area where there are shrubs, flowers and a pond with a trickling water feature. Well-maintained gravel, paving and seating areas are available when we feel the need to get outside for fresh air.

 

In all, we hope that children who are struggling feel supported and that their concerns are being addressed. We also hope parents and carers feel confident that we are doing our utmost to ensure their child is receiving the best possible personalised care whilst at Weatherfield.