Cross Lane Primary School

We are PROUD to offer Calderdale's FIRST SEMH Additional Resourced Provision for pupils entering in Years 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Consultations are open now for April 2026 places. 

The Branch is a safe space in which children can develop their ability to self-regulate whilst building positive relationships with others. Personalised learning caters for each child's individual needs and a higher staff to child ratio ensures they are well-supported. 

In order to request a consultation for a place in the The Branch, your child must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

The decision to request a change of placement will usually be made at your child’s annual review. If it is felt that a placement in The Branch would be appropriate for your child, the professionals currently working with them will inform Calderdale Council, providing the relevant information about your child and their needs through the annual review process.

When Calderdale Council receive an annual review which requests a change of placement to The Branch at Cross Lane Primary School, they will send a consultation letter to the school asking if we can meet the child’s needs. The school and SEN team will make the decision and will confirm whether a place will be offered or not.

The Branch is currently staffed by two qualified teachers, two specialist teaching assistants (four from January 2026) and a SENDCo who are highly experienced in the needs of children with SEMH and SEND. The Forest School and Allotment Leader works closely with The Branch on different days throughout the week. 

The staff are:

• Jerome White – Specialist Teacher
• Anna Keane – Specialist Teacher
• Ed Shaw – Specialist Support Assistant
• Hannah Brenchley – Specialist Support Assistant
• Kenna Hattersley - Specialist Support Assistant
• Sophie Holmes - Specialist Support Assistant
• Ruth Jones – Specialist Support Assistant

• Mrs. Natasha Brown - Outdoor Learning Leader
• Mrs. Emma Wyatt – Associate Deputy Headteacher & The Branch SENDCo

*Two additional support staff will join the team in January 2026.

External agencies:

• Speech and Language Therapist: Nicole Davies (1 day each month)
• Occupational Therapist (Sensory Integration Occupational Therapist): Louise Bennett (1 day per month)
• Educational Psychologist: Catherine Duthoit (10 days across the year)
• Play Therapist: Monthly clinical supervision for The Branch staff
• [Art Therapy Masters Student: Twice per week from January 2026]
• MHST – Mental Health Support Team
• Specialist Inclusion Teams at Calderdale Council:
  • Cognition and Learning Team (SEMH team)
  • Occupational Therapy referrals 
• Specialist Schools Cluster (Highbury School; William Henry Smith School)

External services:

• Open Minds (CAMHS)
• School Nursing Team
• Children’s Social Care

The Branch provision runs from 9:00am until 2:00pm, Monday to Friday.

A modified school day has proven to be beneficial in reducing the stress and anxiety levels of children in SEMH settings. The reduced day is less overwhelming for children who present with a range of social and emotional needs.

This model allows for staff to continue supporting children throughout the school day, taking their own breaks after the children leave at 2:00pm; this avoids bringing in external supervision at lunchtimes. It also means that there is time available during the working day for staff to receive training and continuing professional development (CPD) as well as having dedicated time for bespoke, individualised planning for each child. Daily supervision and debrief time is also important for the continuing development of each child.

Many children who attend The Branch have been on reduced or part-time timetables, have not been attending a full week at school, or have significantly reduced attendance as a result of their SEMH needs. The reduced school day allows for a sensitive, child-led transition back into school and then back into mainstream education.

Over time, according to child-led transition, children may begin to access learning with their mainstream partner class. Any decision to extend the school day (to the mainstream times 8:30-3:15pm) depends on how successfully the pupil is able to operate in the mainstream.

The day always begins with a nurture breakfast and dedicated ‘connection time’. This is a calm, relaxed start where children are supported to feel welcome and safe. Over time, a bespoke, individual timetable will be developed. They will access outdoor learning sessions (Forest School and allotment) as well as all statutory National Curriculum subjects. These will be delivered in a creative way, focussing on the individual SEMH needs of each child.