Primary Outreach

Primary Outreach Team is led by Petra Henman.  There are 2 components to Primary Outreach

1 – Support and Guidance for Primary Schools

Primary schools can apply for support and guidance for individual students who are struggling in school through the Learning Support Hub.  Support will then be provided to:

  • Identify need
  • Identify changes that the school can make
  • Signpost to other agencies who will be able to support
  • Identifying children who would benefit from accessing Off-site Provision through the Kestrel and Eagle classe

2 – Off-site Provision through the Kestrel and Eagle classes

Primary schools can apply through the Primary Fair Access Meetings for a short term place in either our Kestrel or Eagle classes that are held in 2 locations across the city. Children who attend either Kestrel or Eagle class have been identified as needing extra support by our outreach behaviour support staff who work throughout the schools in York.  These places are to support pupils who are struggling with mainstream education.

Kestrel Class

Kestrel Class is our Primary Intervention Provision and is based in a mainstream school, for pupils who are identified as needing additional support. Most children who attend are dual registered and spend part of the week with their mainstream school. The maximum number of children in the group each day is six and there are always two members of staff present.

Eagle class

Eagle class is for pupils with either have an EHCP or on the pathway to receiving one. Eagle Class is a Primary Intervention Provision and is based in a mainstream school, for pupils who are identified as needing additional support. Most children who attend are dual registered and spend part of the week with their mainstream school. The maximum number of children in the group each day is six and there are always two members of staff present.

The Structure of the day

The classes run from 9 till 2pm. The day usually begins with handwriting and spelling activities and the children are expected to come into class and begin their activities quietly. This gives staff an opportunity to ensure that everyone is settled and deal with any issues arising. A maths session follows before we gather together for breakfast at 10:00am. The children have toast and a drink, this communal time offers a chance to chat whilst developing social skills such as sharing, taking turns and listening to others.

  • After breakfast the children will complete a literacy-based activity before going out for playtime at 11:15am. Staff play games with the children and the skills needed for successful playtimes in mainstream school are developed.
  • After another session, which may be SEAL, anger management skills, a cross curricular topic, food technology or art, we have lunch in our classroom at 12:30pm. The children may have a hot meal or bring their own sandwiches and we all sit and eat together.
  • Children read to an adult daily and do phonics work daily if needed. An adult will read a story to the class before they leave.
  • The final 15 minutes of the day is the children’s reward time.
  • Throughout the rest of the day, they reflect on their own behaviour and the choices they have made and this is tracked using a ‘smiley face’ chart and a positive behaviour track.
  • A final appraisal of the day is done, and the children are given individual certificates to take home.

Those who are in their mainstream school the following day will take a Connect Card which ensures that the tracking system for their behaviour continues and that links between settings are maintained. Staff communicate parents daily either by a phone call or text.