New service for special educational needs pupils

A service to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs will be set up at a Hereford primary school.

The scheme at Trinity Primary School will aim to help them re-engage with their learning and build the skills and confidence needed to reintegrate into mainstream education when appropriate.

Herefordshire Council said similar models in other schools in the county had shown "significant success in improving outcomes" for those with SEMH needs.

From 1 September, the school will host a dedicated base designed to provide "long-term structured support" for up to 16 pupils.

Those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), a legal document describing a child or young person's special educational needs, will be eligible.

Placements would be allocated through the EHCP process to ensure each pupil "receives tailored support in a suitable environment", the council said.

The school will manage the base, with oversight from the local authority, which said the decision to set it up followed a public consultation and "careful consideration of stakeholder feedback".

Head teacher Lyndsey Manning said: "Creating a SEMH base within our school is the next step in enhancing our SEND [special education needs and disabilities] provision and ensuring all pupils can thrive within Trinity's nurturing and inclusive setting."

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