Easthorpe School
Easthorpe School, part of the Polaris Education Community, located in Ruddington on the outskirts of Nottingham in the East Midlands, is a specialist educational institution catering to students aged 7 to 18 who face social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges.
The school supports pupils with various diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), anxiety, as well as communication, interaction, cognition, and learning needs.
Educational Approach
Easthorpe School employs a holistic and therapeutic educational approach, integrating multiple interventions to foster a supportive learning environment:
- Therapeutic Relationships: Emphasis is placed on building safety and trust through understanding attachment styles and patterns.
- Consistent Routines and Boundaries: Structured routines enhance predictability, reducing anxiety and fostering a secure atmosphere.
- PACE Model: Utilising Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy to nurture understanding in a non-confrontational manner.
- Co-Regulation Strategies: Assisting students in developing internal mechanisms to self-regulate emotions.
- Sensory Integration: Incorporating regular movement and sensory activities to aid in physiological and cognitive regulation.
These methodologies collectively aim to positively impact the quality of life for both students and their communities.
Curriculum
Easthorpe School provides a broad and balanced curriculum that is tailored to meet the individual learning needs of each student. Classes are kept small, typically with four to six students, allowing for a high level of support from both a class teacher or tutor and at least one teaching assistant. This structure ensures a personalised learning experience that fosters engagement and progress.
Students are given the opportunity to work towards a range of external qualifications, including GCSEs, Functional Skills, ASDAN awards, Entry Level certifications, and AQA awards. Additionally, vocational qualifications and life skills programs, such as Entry Level Employability Skills and Towards Independence, are incorporated into the curriculum to prepare students for future opportunities beyond school.
The school also prioritises therapeutic support as part of its educational framework. Staff are trained to address individual communication needs and collaborate with external professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Physiotherapists, to provide comprehensive support. This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that nurtures both academic progress and personal development.
Facilities and Environment
Easthorpe School is set within expansive private grounds, offering a calm and therapeutic environment designed to support students’ well-being and development. The school has a variety of specialized classrooms and activity spaces, including areas for science, computing, music, drama, and art/design technology. These well-equipped spaces allow students to engage with a diverse range of subjects in an environment tailored to their individual needs.
Outdoor learning is an integral part of the school experience, with significant outdoor areas designed to promote exploration and physical activity. These spaces provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that complement their classroom education. The overall design of the school environment fosters engagement, encourages achievement, and supports each student’s journey toward personal and academic success.
Contact Information
For further details or to discuss potential placements, please contact:
Headteacher: Mrs Laura Austin
Address: 165 Loughborough Road, Nottingham, NG11 6LQ
Telephone: 01156 977975
Email: schooloffice@easthorpeschool.co.uk
Barraclough Hall School is dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where young people can thrive, feel supported, and achieve their full potential, enabling them to contribute positively to the wider community.
Our Schools
Our schools provide specialist education for children and young people with a variety of complex needs.
Our mission is to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement.