Herdley Bank School
Herdley Bank is a specialist annex of Kirby Moor School, operating under North Lakes Children’s Services.
Located in Coanwood, Northumberland, the school provides education for pupils aged 7 to 18 who require a high level of nurturing, structure, and predictability due to their social, emotional, and learning needs.
As part of North Lakes Children’s Services, Herdley Bank benefits from a holistic, therapeutic approach that integrates education with wider care and support systems, ensuring that pupils receive the individualised interventions they need to thrive.
Educational Approach
The school is dedicated to preparing children to engage with learning, manage their anxieties, and develop emotional literacy. Staff at Herdley Bank have expertise in supporting pupils with a range of challenges, including Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), attention and concentration difficulties, attachment disorders, and anxiety-related difficulties. Some students may have additional mental health needs that make mainstream education challenging, including those experiencing ‘school phobia’.
Herdley Bank ensures that each pupil receives tailored education through structured routines, multi-sensory teaching, and visual supports to create a predictable and supportive learning environment. The school’s assessment and tracking system ensures that students are taught at the appropriate level, allowing them to progress both academically and socially.
Curriculum
Herdley Bank provides a broad, balanced, and practical curriculum, underpinned by the National Curriculum and adapted to the needs of each student. The small class sizes, with a maximum of six pupils per class, enable a highly individualised approach to learning. Students follow Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), which address both academic goals and emotional or social development needs.
As part of North Lakes Children’s Services, the school has access to a multidisciplinary team, including therapeutic practitioners and specialist educators, who work closely to ensure students are provided with the right interventions. Additional support from pastoral teams, therapists, and a qualified nurse helps pupils develop the skills needed for lifelong learning and independence.
Facilities and Environment
Herdley Bank is situated in a tranquil rural setting, providing a calming and structured environment that supports students’ well-being and engagement with learning. The school features:
- Five large classroom bases, each designed to meet the needs of small groups of students.
- Quiet spaces around the school to support self-regulation and emotional well-being.
- An outdoor undercover learning space and garden area, allowing for outdoor, hands-on learning experiences.
- Recreational areas to encourage physical activity and social interaction.
- An assembly/dining room to facilitate community-building activities and structured routines.
The school’s design and facilities help ensure that students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn in a setting that reduces anxiety and promotes positive engagement.
Staffing and Class Structure
Herdley Bank follows a primary-based model, where pupils remain in a consistent class group with a dedicated teacher and learning support assistants. This ensures minimal transitions throughout the day, reducing anxiety and fostering strong relationships with staff. Each class has a maximum of six students, allowing for high levels of support and individual attention.
The school’s staff team includes specialist educators and pastoral support workers who work closely with external professionals to provide targeted therapeutic interventions. Additional interventions are delivered by trained staff, ensuring that pupils receive academic, emotional, and social development support tailored to their needs.
Contact Information
For further details or to discuss potential placements, please contact:
Address: Coanwood, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, NE49 0QT
Telephone: 016977 42598
Email: info@nlcs.uk.com
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.