New school for vulnerable pupils opens in the East

Wetheringsett Manor School is based in the Grade II listed building in Suffolk

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 10th Dec 2020

The specialist school, located at the former rectory Wetheringsett Manor near Stowmarket, has opened in response to the growing demand for personalised learning to meet the needs of pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

It's already attracting pupils aged between 11 and 18 from Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Headteacher of the school, David Bishop, is expecting the demand for specialist learning facilities to increase as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

He said: "The number of people with social, emotional and mental health needs is growing and I think the pandemic itself is creating mental health issues. So, I think it is actually a very vital and necessary option for children out of school.

"We're seeing a great number of referrals coming through, so I can only see that increasing over the next year or two."

According to the school, its education is adapted to meet each individual's learning needs while ensuring they feel safe, secure and nurtured.

Classes have a maximum of six children with one teacher and teaching assistant, which Mr Bishop said is helpful to "optimise outcomes" and create an environment where social distancing is achievable.

A new extension was built adjoining the man building, which dates back to 1843, to allow for spacious modern classrooms with "state-of-the-art" facilities.

As well being set in the Grade II manor, pupils have access to 18 acres of land on site, which the school is keen to use for their benefit.

David continued: "One of the parts of our curriculum that we're really proud of is what we call Forest School. One day a week we have all the children outside to do cooperative team building work, which is essential to develop social skills.

"We have areas that are dedicated to allotments, we have children who are doing work to grow their own vegetables and flowers. Eventually, the vegetables will be used in terms of their lunches, and they see them from seeds to taking them out of the ground and onto their plates."

Wetheringsett Manor School is also planning to build a sport centre in the future, as well as developing the existing on-site factory to provide vocational training opportunities for pupils in sectors such as mechanics, health and beauty, decorating, plumbing and joinery.

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