Outreach support
Special School Outreach
Changes to the way Special School Outreach provides support to schools were outlined in September 2025 and come into effect on April 1st 2026.
The main changes are:
- support is for children and young people in mainstream schools with an EHCP
- these pupils may have needs which, without timely and specialist intervention, may escalate to the point where a change of placement becomes necessary.
- referrals are made through the new online Service Request form on the Grid.
- support can also be allocated at Triage meetings and Placement panel by the Panel Manager
- support is provided in a block over a period of 6 weeks
Outreach support will be provided by a number of special schools, depending on the need.
- Cognition and learning - The Collett school (Karen Thorp / Kirsty McIntosh)
- SEMH - Haywood Grove
- ASD - tbc
Schools can access advice and strategies for pupils without EHCPs by booking a slot at the half termly DSPL7 SEND surgery.
Behaviour Outreach
Links Multi Academy Trust Outreach Teams provide support to primary and secondary schools in the DSPL7 area.
The Primary team offer a Tier one approach, often referred to as a ‘light intervention’ trying to tackle any challenging behaviour before escalation. The aim of the intervention is to supply the school with strategies to support the young person to have successful school days. The work completed with the young person often focuses on self-esteem, team building, friendship issues, understanding the importance of regulating emotions or simply empowering the young person with strategies to have positive days.
The Secondary team provide targeted support for young people, offered through 1:1 sessions once or twice a week when challenging behaviour is affecting their learning. Students might be seen more often if they are at risk of permanent exclusion, or experiencing a traumatic or transitional event, such as a managed move. Occasionally, it is appropriate to work with very small groups on challenging behaviour issues.
Referrals are made by schools, with consent and input from parent(s)/carer(s) by completing the Service Request form and an Assessment and Progress form, which can be found on the Links Academy website.
Behaviour surgeries
Primary Behaviour Solutions sessions are offered each month. Schools should contact admin@dspl7.org.uk to book a 30 min online appointment with Links outreach and DSPL7 staff.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Wed 15th April | 1.00 - 3.30pm |
| Wed 13th May | 1.00 - 3.30pm |
| Wed 3rd June | 1.00 - 3.30pm |
| Wed 1st July | 1.00 - 3.30pm |
Secondary Behaviour Surgeries are also offered monthly.
Cedars Outreach
Cedars Primary Support Base offers Tier 3 Outreach Support tailored to an individual child in the DSPL7 area, who presents with significant behaviours or is at risk of permanent exclusion. Cedars Outreach usually requires the school to have previously received Tier 1 or 2 support for the young person but this is subject to a case assessment.
Referrals to the Cedars Outreach Team can be made by completing the Service Request and Assessment and Progress forms.
Cedars Primary Support Base (PSB)
Cedars is a purpose built centre on the Links Academy site in Woollam Crescent in St Albans. It opened in 2019, and provides 2 terms of education for young people aged 5-11 years old with SEMH needs who could be permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from their school. The base offers a broad and balanced curriculum, within a supportive, nurturing environment. The staff ratio at Cedars is very high, allowing them to help all the students as much as they need, while always being mindful to develop their independence to allow a successful transition back to their mainstream school.
The Cedars PSB Application Deadline and Panel Meeting Dates 25/26:
|
Application deadline |
Panel meeting |
| Friday 5th June 2026 | Thursday 18th June 2026 |
All referrals for Cedars Primary Support Base must be fully completed and sent to:
referrals@linksacademy.herts.sch.uk