Our toolkit

At Banks House School, we pride ourselves on working with a wide range of professionals in order to achieve the best outcomes for our pupils. This is evident as soon as a new pupil joins our school.

At Banks House School, pupils behave with consistently high levels of respect for others. They support other pupils, listen and appreciate when others may wish for space.

We use Thrive, PACE and Zones of Regulation to support pupils to know how to respond to those big feelings that they may have. Every member of our school community is valued. We explore similarities and differences through our PSHE curriculum and also in everyday discussions and through reading stories which looks into the lives of others and where pupils can see themselves reflected back.

Pupils make a highly positive, tangible contribution to the life of the school and/or the wider community. They are involved in local groups such as libraries, community events, supporting the local primary school or litter picking. Pupils actively support the well-being of other pupils, knowing their triggers, giving them space for example.

Pupils and staff are highly equipped to support each other and pupils. Knowing the little signs that our pupils may be becoming disregualated and putting the support in place, following Positive Behaviour Support plans and Risk Assessments.

The Rockhopper series is an exciting programme consisting of 9 awards which introduce learners with disabilities to the joy of water. The series develops water confidence and water skills as well as increasing water safety awareness and knowledge.

TITAN+ is focused on working with young people to have the potential to start travel independence training in the community.

Travel training is a great opportunity to build up the skills for travel independence and adult life. We allow pupils to showcase their ability to travel as pedestrians, in vehicles and on public transport.

Thrive is a student centred approach to learning. It allows staff to connect with students based on their mental health/ past trauma and strives to allow staff to create a nurturing environment for each individual. It focuses on social and emotional needs of students and allows them to feel safe, empowered and secure within their environments.

Pupils are encouraged to brush their teeth daily being as independent as possible, we may use hand over hand to support pupils with gradually reducing support to aid their independence. Each pupil had their own storage container and we have the same toothbrush that they use at home to keep the consistency, the toothbrush cases are cleaned regularly to keep cleanliness to a high standard. We have achieved the healthy smile award. Staff receive oral health training annually.

Staff and pupils at Banks House School, use zones of regulation as an empowering tool which builds safe supportive environments. Staff and pupils reflect on how they are feeling throughout the day and use their toolboxes to support well-being activities. This enables our staff and pupils to be more self aware of how they are feeling and what they can do to support themselves e.g. squeeze, use the swing, take deep breaths, have a snack. When the pupil is placed at the centre and their individual needs are met, we see a healthier, happier young person who is ready and able to learn.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.