The Magpie Learning Centre provides education for pupils in Years 7-10 who are finding it difficult to access education in their own school due to mental and / or physical health. There are two different pathways available at the Magpie Learning Centre. Full time pupils follow a personalised timetable comprising both academic and therapeutic elements. Those attending one of our part-time intervention groups will have a timetable designed to meet their specific needs.
Introduction
EARLY INTERVENTION OFFER (PART TIME) (FOXES AND TIGERS)
For some children, attendance at school may be impacted by health issues including anxiety and mental health problems. If concerns are not addressed at an early stage, they can affect progress, outcomes and the transition process to secondary school.
The Children’s Hospital School have a range of early interventions for schools including short-term commissioned placements for pupils in Years 7-10 at our new provision – The Magpie Learning Centre. This would be for those children who do not meet the criteria for a Hospital Education place, for example those not yet working with CAMHS.
Magpie Early Intervention Offer
Key Stage 3&4 Early Intervention Referral Form (opens in new tab)
HOSPITAL EDUCATION PLACES (FULL TIME) (LIONS)
The Magpie Learning Centre also offers full time education for students who are unable to access education in their own school for medical reasons. Each student has a personalised timetable comprising core and foundation subjects. We also offer Arts Award, a vocational element, and a therapeutic curriculum, as appropriate. Individual timetables are designed to meet students’ academic needs, whilst taking account of health and emotional factors.
Information about referrals for a hospital education place can be found here
DESIGNATED SPECIALIST PROVISION (PANTHERS)
Students with an EHCP where a primary need as SEMH which presents through high levels of anxiety may be referred for a place in our Year 9 DSP at The Magpie Learning Centre. Students are taught in a discrete group but will have time to interact with other students at break and lunch times and during special events in school. Students start in our ‘New Student Group’ where they will be in school for one morning and one afternoon per week. This usually lasts for two weeks. Following this, student timetables will be increased on a bespoke basis, working up to five full days.
Students are taught by subject specialist teachers and may also receive intervention sessions (such as Lego Therapy, Drawing and Talking and Thrive) led by qualified staff if it is felt that this would be beneficial. We have a balanced approach between academic lessons and more holistic activities in order to support students to make progress towards their EHCP Outcomes. We have an emphasis on Life Skills and Preparing for Adulthood and are passionate about supporting our students to feel comfortable in and around their communities and with qualifications such as ASDAN which can be built on right up until Year 11 and beyond. From The Magpie Learning Centre Year 9 DSP, it is expected that students will transition to our KS4 DSP at our Willow Bank site. There will be continuity of both teaching and support staff to help aid this transition.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
STUDENT VOICE
“Thank you for a great year of learning, I really appreciate how much you’ve all supported me”. Y9 CHS student
“This journey has changed me massively emotion wise and I feel like you were the right path to go down. Thank you for your honesty and support”.
Y10 Early Intervention student
“It is quiet here, the teachers explain things so well and we have the time and space to learn”.
Y9 DSP student
PARENT VOICE
“To change his perception of school in such a short time is incredible. You’ve made him feel safe, secure and welcome and he says he likes Magpie, which is huge for him. Sending you my heartfelt thanks”.
Parent of Early Intervention student
“They are learning! Not only are they learning in their subjects, they’re learning it’s ok to not be top of the class, it’s ok to ask for help, it’s ok to do the subjects and trust in their abilities”.
Parent of DSP student
“We’ve got our son back. He is happy to spend time downstairs with us in the evening and talk about his day – this hasn’t happened for months”.
Parent of CHS student
SCHOOL VOICE
“I just wanted to send a quick email to say how great the staff on your team are. They have been so incredible, their caring nature in supporting the scholars I have referred and their kind manner is much appreciated”.
“We have seen a lot of success with our scholars who have attended the provision”.
“Now I know where to send my pupils. Communication is always so strong, nothing is too much trouble and bespoke really does mean bespoke”.
