We offer a range of responses in support of children and adults.
The First Base consultation service is an opportunity for education staff to examine a developing concern they have around behaviour management, or explore an aspect of their practice. We apply a solution focussed approach which helps to identify a way forward for the staff and a plan of action to implement.
Consultation meetings can include staff and parents and are most productive with up to four particpants, including First Base staff. The format of the meeting is that of a conversation where the member of First Base staff will ask some questions which are designed to promote 'thinking around' the issues that school staff wish to explore.
The consultation may be enough to manage a concern, or it may act as a preliminary discussion before a BSS request. A consultation meeting requires parental permission unless it is undertaken on the basis of an unnamed child.
How do I book a consultation?
Telephone Judi Bush on 01842 815478 to arrange a meeting.
The work of the Behaviour Support Service helps children aged 4-7 years, their parents or carers, and the staff working with them in school. We support various social and emotional difficulties that affect individual or groups of children in their learning. Children might have problems making friends, following instructions or concentrating. They may be selectively mute, bereaved, or very cross. Parents may be frustrated and upset, and not know what to do to help. Staff in school may want additional strategies to help manage.
Schools access this support through termly pyramid meetings attended by school and BSS representitives. The Request form is shared at a meeting where needs are prioritised and allocated support time. Work requires parental permission and is time limited to one term in length. Concerns that may require a longer period of support should be referred to the In Centre team.
Schools Pyramid Dates 2011-12.doc
When a child is experiencing ongoing social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and everyone has tried a number of ways to help (perhaps involving other agencies) then the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) route is the best response. When we receive a referral to the PRU we identify a Keyworker and this person works with the child, education staff and parents or carers.
This work takes place in the pre school or school and at home for a period of up to a year. We could also offer an 'In Centre' response in one of the First Base Nurture Groups. This would be on a dual registraion basis, which means that the child would attend their mainstream school for three days a week, and come to us In Centre for two days.
This approach allows First Base and the school to work together to give the child a personalised curriculum that supports their learning needs as well as their emotional and behavioural needs.
The outcome of this approach should always be that a child returns full time to their mainstream school, as a happy and successful learner.
At First Base we also offer courses and bespoke training packages to schools in the West of Suffolk, for staff and parents or carers to attend. The courses are in a wide range of areas, that compliment the child centrered, solution focussed approach we undertake for very young children.
We have an extensive list of Training Packages which include:
Identifying Staff Needs Supporting Bereavement and Loss in the Primary School Caroline Webster-Strattons 'The Incredible Years' Listening to Children, Managing Lunchtimes as an MDSA, FanTAstic TA Training (Levels 1 & 2) KidSkills ...or why not tell us what you need!
FanTAstic Levels 1 &
Click here to request more information on any of our training opportunities or make a request through the BSS pyramid meeting.
