Gospel Oak School opens brand-new student wellbeing facility
Gospel Oak School – based on Bilston Road in Tipton and part of the Central Region Schools Trust – has opened a new state-of-the-art facility to support students’ mental health.
The NEST is a brand-new space designed to provide targeted support for students with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The NEST – which stands for nurture, encourage, support and teach – aims to transform the educational experience for students who have faced challenges with attendance and engagement, ensuring they achieve excellent outcomes in their GCSEs.
The NEST represents a significant investment in the future of students at Gospel Oak, combining a welcoming and inclusive environment with specialist teaching and pastoral care. It is a purpose-built space where students can access individualised support, tailored to meet both their academic and emotional needs. The initiative aligns with the school’s wider commitment to student wellbeing, ensuring that mental health support is embedded within the fabric of education.
Key features of the NEST include:
- Specialist staff: Dedicated and highly trained SEND professionals who deliver a curriculum designed to bridge gaps in learning and build confidence.
- Therapeutic spaces: Calming, sensory-friendly rooms to help students regulate emotions, teach coping strategies and develop resilience.
- Small group settings: Low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalised attention and tailored instruction.
- Holistic approach: A focus on wellbeing, mental health and academic progress, with close collaboration between staff, parents and external agencies to ensure a coordinated approach.
- Flexible learning pathways: Bespoke learning plans, allowing students to reintegrate into mainstream classes at a pace that suits their needs.
Louise Mooney, SEND lead practitioner at Gospel Oak School has been instrumental in the success of the NEST.
Reflecting on the opening of the space, Louise said: “We are so proud of what our students have achieved so far in the NEST. Students are already attending a variety of lessons in the main building again. This is due to the culture of belonging, working closely with parents and having such high expectations of students.”
Stephen Brownlow, Executive Principal at Gospel Oak School: “We’re so grateful to Louise and all our colleagues who have worked hard to bring the vision of the NEST to life. I am delighted to see such a warm and nurturing space be made for our students, and we are already seeing the benefits of this new approach come to life.
“The NEST’s success demonstrates the importance of embedding mental health support within education, rather than treating it as an add-on. By equipping students with the tools to navigate challenges, the NEST is helping to create a brighter future for all.
“The launch of the NEST is a proud moment for Gospel Oak School, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to inclusion, excellence and opportunity for all.”
