Specialist Provision at OAK — overview of our two provisions

Specialist Provision at OAK

Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in the specialist provision we have developed within our schools.

Riverbank at Brookside and Starlings at Overdale provide specialist support for children with additional needs, while remaining part of their wider school communities.

We believe that specialist provision and mainstream education have much to offer one another. Our ambition is to bring together expertise, strengthen inclusive practice and create opportunities for children to learn, develop and participate as fully as possible in school life.

The two provisions work closely together, sharing expertise and learning from one another, while each retains an approach tailored to the needs of the children it supports and the strengths of its colleagues.

You can find out more about our specialist provisions through the individual school websites.

Starlings – Specialist Base at Overdale

Starlings is a 10-place specialist provision for Key Stage 2 children with communication and interaction needs, situated within the grounds of Overdale Infant School.

The provision recognises the individuality of every child, providing specialist support that responds to their needs while helping them develop confidence, communication skills and independence.

Starlings is part of OAK’s wider commitment to inclusion, with opportunities for colleagues across our schools to share expertise and learn from one another.

Find out more about Starlings on the Overdale Junior School website.

Riverbank – Specialist Provision at Brookside

Riverbank is a specialist provision at Brookside Primary School, offering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment in which children are supported to develop their confidence, independence and communication skills.

The provision combines specialist teaching with a broad curriculum that recognises children’s individual strengths, interests and needs. There is a particular emphasis on developing practical skills, building relationships and preparing children to participate confidently in the wider world.

Children benefit from a range of specialist learning environments, including sensory spaces, a sensory garden and Forest School, alongside opportunities to learn and participate with the wider Brookside school community.

Riverbank is an important part of OAK’s commitment to inclusion, contributing valuable expertise and experience to our developing trust-wide approach.

Find out more about Riverbank on the Brookside Primary School website.