Easthorpe
School
Situated in Ruddington on the edge of Nottingham in the East Midlands, Easthorpe School provides specialist education for 7-18 year olds with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH). Our pupils may have a number of diagnoses including: ASD, ACES, ADHD, FASD, anxiety and/or, communication and interaction, cognition, and learning needs.
At Easthorpe we use a variety of therapeutic approaches and interventions within our school:
- Therapeutic relationships, safety and trust.
- Recognising and working with attachment styles and patterns.
- Therapeutic relationships.
- Routines and boundaries to increase predictability and decrease fear.
- An approach of Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy (PACE) is used to help everyone understand what is happening in a nurturing non- confrontational way.
- Co- regulation to help children build the internal scaffolding they need to self- regulate their emotions.
- Regular movement and sensory input to help the body and brain regulate.
The school has a positive impact on the quality of life for both our children and the people around them.
Easthorpe school is rated outstanding by Ofsted in all areas. View our latest Ofsted report.
Passionate about education
We are passionate about what we do and that’s providing a high-quality, aspirational education for children offering individual learning programmes. We take a holistic view of each of our children, offering individual care and a complete range of support that’s constantly evolving with their needs.
- Small bespoke groupings of 4-6 children plus a class teacher/tutor and at least one Teaching Assistant per group across our spacious site, with appropriate boundaries in place to safeguard all children.
Within the Polaris Community we have over 15 SEN schools across the UK who work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement.
- Our schools offer safe learning areas for our younger pupils to ensure they are able to thrive and grow while receiving high quality teaching based on the National Curriculum. Teachers adapt the pupils learning to suit their ability and needs. We want to make sure that our pupils, regardless of age feel welcome and secure throughout the school day.
- A broad curriculum leading to external accreditation at GCSE level, with enhancement opportunities for vocational qualifications such as functional skills, ASDAN,Entry Level and AQA awards. In addition to these enterprise-driven qualifications, Entry Level Employability Skills and Towards Independence programmes are offered.
- The on-site team are equipped and trained to support children with individual communication needs.
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a tremendous impact on our young people and their futures. We work with our young people to support them and work through the impact that their experiences may have had on them. By working in a trauma informed way we can help our young people to have a better future.
At Easthorpe School, we want to provide education and support that makes a real difference to the quality of life experienced by our pupils and their families.
Headteacher Laura Austin
Our Approach
Our Polaris schools use the Polaris Education’s COSMIC (Child- Orientated Systemic Mentalisation with Integrated Communication) model, designed to support children with SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and other complex needs. We understand the children we support often struggle with connection, communication, and relationships, which can negatively impact their learning and life chances. Our comprehensive approach equips both staff and students with the necessary skills, knowledge, tools and practices to foster connection, communication, and growth within a nurturing and inclusive school environment.
COSMIC is supported by:
• Child Centred Framework Placing the child at the core of all our efforts. By understanding and nurturing each child’s unique inner world, constellation of relationships and psychological development, we help them build a strong sense of self-worth and identity.
• Understanding and Responding to Needs Dedicated to deeply understanding the unique needs, behaviours, and challenges faced by each child.
• Integrated Communication and Emotional Support Inclusive communication with approaches such as Language that Cares, recognising that all behaviour is communication.
• Holistic and Inclusive School Culture A whole-community approach that creates a nurturing and inclusive school culture. Our environment is designed to make every child feel valued, supported, and secure.
• Expert-Led and Trauma Informed Practice Developed by our Head of Therapy, who is grounded in expert-led, trauma-informed practice. Our team of specialists, including psychotherapists, psychologists, and speech and language therapists, provide ongoing training and support to our staff.
Proprietor
Polaris Children’s Services
Chair: Jo August
Malvern View
Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road,
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove, B60 4AD
Unique reference number 149382
DfE registration number 891/6049
Governing Body
Our school has a Governing Body which is chaired by Jo August.
Address for correspondence:
Malvern View
Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road,
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove, B60 4AD
Part of the Polaris Community
Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Education and bespoke children’s services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We’re ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures.
Get in Touch
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Address
Easthorpe School
165 Loughborough Road,
Nottingham,
NG11 6LQ