The Cambell Primary Centre (CPC), an Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) within James Cambell Primary School, has recently unveiled its newly refurbished facilities designed to provide enhanced support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
The CPC offers a time-limited therapeutic intervention for children whose SEMH needs have prevented them from thriving in a mainstream school environment. Pupils are usually typically placed at the centre for up to one year, remaining dual-registered with their mainstream school before returning with the skills, confidence and resilience needed to succeed.
During the summer holidays, the provision underwent a significant refurbishment to create a more nurturing and engaging learning environment tailored to the needs of its pupils.
The transformed centre now includes five dedicated spaces: two classrooms, an intervention and library room, a Green Room for emotional regulation and guided meditation, and a versatile multi-purpose room for cooking and art activities.
Alongside the indoor improvements, the CPC has developed a new outdoor learning area made up of three distinct zones: an active play space, a nature area for growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers, and an outdoor classroom that supports learning beyond the traditional classroom setting.
The refurbishment reflects the centre's commitment to reducing barriers to learning and helping pupils successfully reintegrate into mainstream education.
Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Education & Schools, said:
"These fantastic new facilities at the Cambell Primary Centre will help pupils build confidence, develop resilience and achieve their full potential.
“The centre plays a vital role in supporting children facing challenges with their social, emotional and mental health, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to ensuring every young person has access to the support they need to succeed.”
Mrs Charlotte Redmond, CPC Manager, Inclusion Manager and Assistant Head said:
"Since the refurbishment, we've seen a real change in the children. They have a stronger sense of belonging and are taking more pride in the centre. The outdoor area has been fantastic, with different spaces that support learning, play and wellbeing in a way that really works for our pupils."
The centre's overarching aim is to equip pupils with the skills and emotional resilience they need to return successfully to a mainstream school setting, where they can achieve academically and thrive socially and emotionally.
The newly transformed facility provides a welcoming, supportive and stimulating environment where pupils can feel safe, valued and ready to learn.