We are a self-contained classroom that is specifically designed to be a home-from-home. The nest approach offers a range of opportunities for children and young people to engage with missing early nurturing experiences, giving them the social and emotional skills to do well at school and with peers, develop their resilience and their capacity to deal more confidently with the trials and tribulations of life, for life.
Our day is based around predictable routines, consistency and creative learning experiences driven by the needs of each young person.
New students at Sheridan School start their learning journey in nest where base line assessments for SEMH and cognitive abilities are carried out to ascertain accurate starting points and put SMART plans in place. Time in nest is pupil lead so that when new pupils are ready to integrate into a classroom, a transition plan with their new class teacher will be put into place.
Students can also be referred to nest by their class teachers when a need arises offering a ‘safe place’ to explore and work through difficulties.
The aim of our nest programme is to replace missing early experiences by developing positive pupil relationships with both teachers and peers in a supportive environment.
The six principles of Nest are:
- Safety The classroom offers a safe base
- Wellbeing The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing
- Language Language is a vital means of communication
- Behaviour All behaviour is communication
- Learning Children’s learning is understanding developmentally
- Transitions The importance of transitions in children’s lives