The Den

What is The Den?

The Den is where our learning mentor is based in school as a dedicate base for delivering tailored interventions but also a place open to all children during their time at Rickley Park School when they need a safe space, feel “out of sorts” or want to share great news and pieces of class work.

What happens at The Den?

Children are encouraged to share how they are feeling on the feelings board with the use of Zones of Regulation via pictures, emoji finger puppets or words. This communication is led by the child but further facilitated by the adult in the room.

Soft Start

A soft start to the school day gives children time to settle in calmly before learning begins. Instead of jumping straight into structured lessons, children are welcomed with gentle, low-pressure activities such as reading, drawing, puzzles or quiet play.

This approach helps children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. It can be especially supportive for children who find transitions challenging, feel anxious in the mornings or need extra time to adjust to the school environment. By reducing stress and allowing children to start the day at their own pace, a soft start builds confidence, improves focus, and creates a positive tone for the rest of the day.

What if an adult isn’t available?

Children can leave a message for the adult to find and return to class so they can engage in their learning. The child has taken a great first step in identifying their need to talk and trust someone will come to check in with them back in class.

Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and Bereavement

We are committed to supporting the social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs of all our pupils. We use a range of carefully planned interventions to help children understand and manage their emotions, build resilience and develop positive relationships.

Our SEMH interventions are delivered in a safe, nurturing environment and may be offered one-to-one or in small groups, depending on individual needs. They focus on developing emotional literacy, self-confidence, coping strategies and wellbeing, enabling children to feel supported and ready to learn.

We also provide sensitive and compassionate support for children experiencing bereavement or loss. Using age-appropriate approaches, we help children express their feelings, make sense of their experiences and feel reassured that they are not alone. Where appropriate, we work with or refer to external professionals to ensure each child receives the right level of care and support.

Through early identification and targeted intervention, we aim to remove barriers to learning and help every child feel safe, valued and supported.