Warsop school provides next-level teaching

Sherwood Junior School (SJS), based in the ex-mining community of Warsop is focused on ensuring the needs of all their pupils are met in a much broader term than just academically.

Their introduction of a nurture unit is already proving to be a huge hit.

Tim Priestley, Head of School, explains how the school work alongside parents to ensure all children, where possible, can remain in mainstream education:

“The nurture unit is for learning and allows children who may have additional needs to be taught in much smaller groups when needed.

“They do academic lessons alongside practical sessions such as cooking.

“We have found that it really helps those with significant additional needs and those who don’t necessarily qualify for the wider scope of social service intervention, but still need emotional support to learn.”

SJS has a family support worker who works alongside teachers, pupils and parents to also ensure children have regular support from someone they recognise and feel comfortable with.

“The school is also really focused on community – we hold regular lunches for parents and also host seniors at Christmas where the children serve their food. That always goes down really well,” added Tim.

He says that the school recognises that financial implications can often isolate some children from being able to go on school trips, so they implement ‘a £5 cap on excursions’ to ensure all children can attend at least one trip per term as a minimum.

“We really want children to have the opportunity to learn that there is a world outside of Warsop, and don’t believe that financial constraints should hold them back.

“Overnight stays are also scheduled once per year – this really gives children chance to build their confidence up being away from home, which really sets them up to succeed.

“We also have a really dedicated sports leader who ensures the children take part in as many physical activities as possible,” said Tim.