Treetops

Nurtured to grow, supported to soar.

Treetops is our nurture based provision designed to support pupils who may benefit from a smaller, calmer and more structured learning environment for part of the school day. It is a key part of our inclusive offer and reflects our belief that every child should feel safe, understood and able to thrive.

What Treetops is

Treetops is a welcoming classroom space that provides targeted support for pupils who may find aspects of mainstream learning overwhelming. This may include pupils with social communication needs, difficulties with emotional regulation or those who benefit from a quieter, more predictable setting. Treetops gives pupils time to build confidence, practise key learning skills and receive personalised teaching in a nurturing environment.

Each morning session includes activities that support literacy, numeracy, communication, emotional development and social skills. Afternoons are spent in the pupil’s mainstream class so they remain fully connected to their peers and the wider school community.

Why we have Treetops

We know that some pupils need additional structure, nurture and personalised support to thrive in school. Treetops allows us to remove barriers early and provide the right help at the right time. By meeting pupils’ emotional and learning needs in a safe and steady environment, we can help them make strong progress both academically and socially.

Treetops reflects our attachment aware and trauma informed approach. The emphasis is on relationships, belonging and helping children feel regulated and ready to learn. Pupils are seen as individuals with strengths to build upon and experiences that shape how they learn.

Who leads Treetops

Treetops is staffed by highly skilled and trained practitioners who understand the needs of pupils requiring additional support.
The team includes:

• experienced HLTAs trained in nurture practice and emotional regulation

• the SENCO and Inclusion Lead, who oversee provision, assessment and planning

• input from the ELSA team, MHST and external professionals where needed

• class teachers who maintain strong links with pupils’ mainstream learning

Staff work closely with each child, building secure relationships that help them feel safe, confident and ready to take on new challenges.

How pupils are selected

Pupils are identified through ongoing assessment, observations and discussions between class teachers, the SENCO, the Inclusion Lead and families. We may consider Treetops when a child:

• is experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation

• struggles with large group learning or sensory demands

• requires a slower pace or more individualised teaching

• finds transitions challenging

• would benefit from a smaller, quieter learning environment

Decisions are made collaboratively and sensitively. Families are always involved in the process and support is reviewed regularly to ensure Treetops remains the right provision for the child.

Belonging in Treetops and mainstream

A strong sense of belonging is central to Treetops. Pupils remain full members of their mainstream class and spend afternoons learning alongside their peers. This ensures they stay connected socially and academically.

We work closely with class teachers to share strategies, provide consistent support and create smooth transitions between Treetops and the main classroom. Pupils are encouraged to see Treetops as one of their learning spaces rather than a separate provision. The message is clear: every child belongs here.

Our vision for the future

Treetops is a developing provision and we are proud of the difference it is already making. As part of our wider inclusion strategy, we are exploring ways to expand the support we offer. In the future, Treetops will host additional intervention groups, nurture sessions and targeted programmes to meet a broader range of needs.

Our aim is simple: to provide the right support for the right child at the right time so every pupil at Coombe Hill can flourish.

If you would like to learn more about Treetops or discuss whether it may support your child, please contact the inclusion team.