Designated Provision
The Den
At Statham Primary School & Nursery, we have a specialist Designated Provision (DP) for children in Key Stage 1 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and/or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). The provision has a capacity of 8 places and is available to children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Environment
Our classroom, known as The Den, provides a calm, nurturing and specialist environment. It is situated within the main school so that children feel part of the wider community, and it has access to a secure outdoor continuous provision area.
Curriculum
Children in The Den follow the National Curriculum, which is personalised to meet their individual needs and to support the development of life skills, communication and independence. We aim to challenge children academically while placing a strong focus on speech and language development and social skills. Alongside this, children may also access therapies and interventions, such as Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy, which support their holistic development and help them to make progress across all areas of learning and wellbeing.
Staffing
The Designated Provision is led by a qualified teacher and supported by experienced teaching assistants, ensuring a high staff-to-pupil ratio. Staff are trained in strategies to support children with SEMH and ASC, including communication approaches, structured teaching methods and positive behaviour support.
Mr J. Leatherbarrow – Designated Provision Lead/ Classroom Teacher
Mr B. Woodward – Higher Level Teaching assistant
Miss J. Stokes – Teaching Assistant
Miss A. McConville -Teaching Assistant
Mrs N. Allen – SENDco
Inclusion
Children in The Den are valued members of the Statham Primary School & Nursery community. They are supported to take part in whole-school activities such as assemblies, trips and theme days. Where appropriate, children also join their peers in mainstream lessons, with support in place to help them succeed. Our aim is to ensure that every child feels a strong sense of belonging both within The Den and across the wider school.
Assessment
Children are assessed in small, achievable steps that reflect their individual progress. We track learning across the National Curriculum as well as personal targets linked to communication, social skills and independence. Regular reviews take place with parents and the Local Authority as part of the EHCP process, ensuring that progress is closely monitored and celebrated.
Parent communication
We pride ourselves on strong partnerships with families built on open and regular dialogue. Staff are available for informal conversations at the start and end of the day, and we provide ongoing updates via text message or email where needed. We actively welcome feedback to ensure we are working together in each child’s best interests.
Transition
Transitions are planned carefully for each child to ensure a smooth and positive start. This may include visits to the child’s current setting, a parent tour of the school, and a transition meeting with the Designated Provision Lead. We work closely with families and professionals to make sure every child feels safe, settled and ready to learn as they join The Den.
Funding and admissions
Places in the Designated Provision are funded by the Local Authority. Admissions are managed through Warrington Local Authority and are only available to children with an EHCP. The school cannot allocate places directly. All placement decisions are made by the Local Authority.
For more details, please visit the Warrington SEND Local Offer.
Transport
Some children may be eligible for home-to-school travel assistance. For full details on eligibility, how to apply and appeals, see: