Cedars

Cedars is a purpose-built centre, opened in the summer of 2019, which lies at our Links Academy site at Woollam Crescent, St Albans. We provide 2 terms of education for young people aged 5-11 years old with SEMH needs, or who could be permanently excluded, or at risk of permanent exclusion, from their school.

Students are referred by their mainstream school for a potential place at Cedars with consent of both parents/carers.  The cohort is determined following a DSPL7 panel meeting (a local area professionals meeting). Following this meeting schools are then informed of the outcome of their application.  

Cedars offers a provision between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm daily.  This is subject to the content of the Pastoral Support Plan (PSP), if appropriate. All new pupils begin with a 2-hour program and this time is extended depending on need.

Cedars offers a broad and balanced curriculum, within a supportive, nurturing environment.  All students are known and valued as individuals and are helped to achieve their potential. The characteristics that we aim to develop in our students are those of respect, resilience and responsibility, which are the values of our Character School ethos, whilst still aiming for them to fulfil their academic potential. We help them to overcome their barriers to learning and to support them in their next educational steps. Students will work on a curriculum including the core subjects, as well as extra-curricular.  

At Cedars we aim to establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are heard when they have a worry or concern. Safeguarding is of paramount importance at Cedars, and feeling safe and secure are the most important aspects of the centre. Cedars ensures students know that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried.

The staff to pupil ratio at Cedars is very high, allowing us to help all the students as much as they need, whilst mindful to develop their independence to allow a successful transition back to their mainstream school.  Mainstream schools are expected to visit the students during their provision time at Cedars.

Upon returning to their mainstream school after 2 terms, an individualised transition plan is created by Cedars, schools and parents/carers to ensure the student has a smooth return to their school. Transition support is offered to the school once the student has returned.