Compass Schools
Compass Schools are special schools for children and young people aged 7-14-years-old who have mental health needs such as attachment difficulties or developmental trauma.
The schools offer full-time permanent school places in Norfolk and are part of the Unity Education Trust. They work closely with another school called Earthsea and together they form one school with four different sites.
Children at Compass Schools get both high-quality education and therapy. Parent carers are actively involved and can easily speak with the teachers and therapists.
Staff use creative and flexible approaches to support each child's individual needs. The goal is to help children return to mainstream school when they're ready.
Staff includes:
- Specialist teachers
- Specialist support assistants
- Clinical psychologists
- Therapists (including art and music therapists)
Who can be referred?
The child or young person must:
- Have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- Have received mental health support before (with evidence)
- Have mental health needs that have been assessed and meet the criteria for Tier 3 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
How does admission work?
- Referrals must come from the child's EHCP coordinator
- The referral is then discussed at an admissions meeting with the school staff, clinical staff and the local authority
Where are the Compass Schools?
There are 50 places across three schools in Norfolk:
- Compass - Belton: Bell Lane, Belton, Great Yarmouth, NR31 9LD
- Compass - Pott Row: Cliff-en-howe Road, Pott Row, King's Lynn, PE32 1BY
- Compass - Lingwood: School Road, Lingwood, Norwich, NR13 4TJ
