St Alban’s Catholic Primary launches specialist Base Room to support pupils

St Alban’s Catholic Primary launches specialist Base Room to support pupils

Baking, building, swimming, and exploring are all on the timetable at St Alban’s Catholic Primary in Walker, which has recently introduced a special ‘base’ to coordinate and oversee the activities.

“The Base Room focuses on language and communication and was newly established in the current academic year,” explained Headteacher Ciara Yeoman. “It provides a safe and supportive haven for pupils who require specialised teaching and learning."

“The provision is stage- not age-based, ensuring that support is tailored to each pupil’s developmental stage, rather than their chronological age.”

Funded by the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, the Base is supported by a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant and Teaching Assistant, who work together to deliver a bespoke curriculum for a select group of Key Stage 2 children at the school.

“At the heart of the Base is our mission to celebrate each pupil for who they are, recognising and valuing their individuality, strengths, and potential,” continued Mrs Yeoman.

“Every aspect of our provision is designed to foster confidence, independence, and a love of learning, ensuring that pupils feel seen, supported, and celebrated as unique individuals.

“Some pupils access the Base for specialised interventions or more tailored support, while others split their time between the Base and mainstream classrooms in a hybrid approach.”

Activities on offer include cookery, swimming lessons, a Lego League, and Forest School, where outdoor sessions in small groups enable children to take part in survival skills, den-building, and nature exploration.

“The timetable is flexible, incorporating sensory circuits and shorter lessons to provide pupils with additional time to complete work,” added Mrs Yeoman.

“In addition to core learning, the Base offers a variety of curriculum enhancements to enrich pupils’ experiences and develop practical, social and life skills, all while celebrating their individuality. Through these enhancements, pupils gain practical experience, independence, and self-confidence, while reinforcing core learning and social-emotional skills.

“The Base’s hybrid model ensures that pupils can apply new skills both within the Base and in mainstream classrooms, promoting generalisation of learning and holistic development.”

St Alban’s was further supported by BBCET in introducing the programme.

“In developing this base, visits were made to other established provisions in schools, alongside guidance and best-practice advice from lead SEND specialists within the Trust,” said Mrs Yeoman.

“The Base is a fantastic provision for pupils, with planning led by the SENDCO, ensuring high-quality, personalised teaching and learning.

“Every element of the Base is designed to celebrate the individual, ensuring that each pupil feels valued, empowered, and supported to reach their full potential.”