Welcome to the Supernova Specialist resource base. We are a KS1 and KS2 Learning and cognition unit based in Hillcrest school in Downham Market.  

We provide placements to children from schools in the west of the county who are experiencing difficulties with their learning in the classroom. 

This is part of Norfolk’s Local Offer for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer. Further information relating to the programme can be found at https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/send-local-offer/education-and-training-0-25/schools/specialist-education/specialist-resource-bases-srbs

Our excellent educational provision has been acknowledged by Norfolk County Council, resulting in the school being identified as the site for a new SRB. The new Specialist Resource Base in the west of the county will act as a hub for pupils requiring specialist educational support for pupils with Learning and Cognition Needs. 

This is an exciting opportunity to build upon the excellent work that our staff already undertake by sharing our combined skills, experience and enthusiasm to the benefit of pupils from beyond our traditional catchment area.

Hillcrest’s Supernova SRB can  currently provide provision for ten KS1 and ten KS2 students in our purpose built building; the children spend four full days working in the SRB, and Fridays in their home school. Placements generally last for two terms, after which time the children are supported in their return to their home school classrooms. The SRB gives children opportunities to develop independent learning skills by offering an adapted curriculum designed to enhance confidence and self-esteem alongside building basic skills.  

Below is an example of a day in The Supernova SRB.

Morning welcome and morning chat with a soft start fine motor activity. This helps promote teamwork and speaking and listening skills.

Phonics lesson. Starting off with a short direct instruction using actions and signing to help build words. Following this an opportunity to build words and sentences through a variety of activities and strategies.

English lesson. An extension of our phonics lessons we introduce the key concept or target area and then have an opportunity to practice and develop those writing skills. Our english lessons are based around a book.

Brain break

Maths: Hands on maths activities with small groups for targeted support.

Play time. We have our own playground with a variety of toys and sensory play opportunities. Sand, water, bubbles and building. The students are deciding what we need to put in next.

Independent tasks: Each child will have opportunities to develop their skills with independent tasks linked to the target or our topic area to build independence and a sense of pride in their abilities. Children will have the opportunity to read to an adult as often as possible.

Lunch: Children will go to the dining hall with a teaching assistant and eat their lunch with members of Hillcrest school. This will be followed by an outdoor play session in our outside area.

Topic Time: Each week we will do a cross-curricular learning session covering all aspects of the curriculum, including, music, art, drama, Design technology and outdoor learning based on our topic book.