What is an SRB?
Specialist Resource Bases (SRBs) are specialist settings within mainstream schools that provide additional support for children with identified needs. Commissioned by Norfolk County Council as part of its local offer, SRBs are in schools across the county (Specialist Resource Bases (SRBs) – Norfolk County Council).
They offer smaller classes, enhanced staffing levels, specialist resources, and tailored learning environments. SRBs work with pupils, families, and schools to provide short-term intervention, outreach support, and expert advice, enabling children to achieve positive outcomes within mainstream education whenever possible.
The Willows Base at Magdalen Academy
The Willows is our Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for Key Stage 2 pupils. With places for up to eight children, it provides a nurturing and supportive environment staffed by highly trained teachers and teaching assistants.
We support children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, working closely with parents, carers and home schools. Our aim is to help each child build confidence, develop effective coping strategies, and successfully engage with learning and school life in their mainstream setting.
What are SEMH needs?
Children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs may experience difficulties for a variety of reasons, including trauma, anxiety, attachment needs, or neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD. These challenges can affect how they understand and manage their emotions, interact with others, and engage with learning.
Some children may need support to recognise and express emotions such as anger, frustration, sadness or worry. Others may find following instructions, managing change, or participating in learning activities particularly challenging.
At The Willows, we provide a personalised and holistic programme of support that helps children build confidence, develop positive relationships, strengthen emotional regulation skills, and achieve success within school.
What do we offer?
At The Willows, we provide a nurturing, trauma-informed environment where children feel safe, valued and understood. We support pupils to explore their emotions, understand their needs and develop positive strategies for managing life’s challenges.
Children benefit from a range of specialist support, interventions and tailored resources that help them build confidence, strengthen relationships and develop important personal and social skills.
Our experienced staff have specialist training in a range of approaches and areas, including:
- Norfolk Steps
- Emotional Literacy
- Emotion Coaching
- Zones of Regulation
- Dyslexia
- Bereavement Support
- Trauma and Attachment
- Safeguarding
- LEGO® Therapy
- Precision Teaching
Our Team:
Miss Georgie Whitford – SRB Lead Teacher
Mrs Angela Wiseman – Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Miss Amalia Ford – Teaching Assistant (TA)
Our team is supported by Paul Bradford, SEMH Base Advisor, and a linked Educational Psychologist.
Curriculum
Pupils follow a personalised curriculum that is tailored to their individual needs. This includes a balance of academic learning from the National Curriculum alongside targeted SEMH learning that focuses on personal development, emotional regulation, social skills and wellbeing.
Targeted interventions support pupils’ academic, social and emotional development, and each child has an individual support plan based on agreed targets identified at the start of their placement.
Transition
The SRB programme is a transitional provision designed to help pupils develop the skills, confidence and emotional regulation they need to engage successfully in their mainstream school. Placements are typically planned over three school terms, although the exact duration will be determined by each child’s individual needs and progress.
A typical placement begins with pupils attending The Willows for four days each week and spending one day in their home school. As pupils make progress towards their individual targets, the balance of time gradually shifts towards their mainstream setting until they are ready to return on a full-time basis.
Referral Process
Referrals to an SRB must be submitted by the child’s school through the Norfolk County Council referral process (NCC SRB Referrals). Referrals are reviewed by local authority advisors and then shared with the most appropriate SRB.
Following this, the Lead Teacher will arrange a visit to meet and observe the child within their school environment. This helps us gain a better understanding of the child’s strengths, needs and current support arrangements, and to determine whether The Willows is the most appropriate provision to meet their needs.