Alternative Provision
The Pottering Shed
Sensory Haven for Emotional Discovery
Meet Jemma Owner of The Pottering Shed
- Nurturing Specialist Teacher SEMH & ASC Specialist Provision
- With extensive experience working with children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, I created The Pottering Shed to provide a space where children feel safe, understood and valued.
- My career has always centred around inclusion, emotional wellbeing and meaningful progress, including contributing to Primary School of the Year 2023.
- Inspired by my own two children and the many children and families I have supported, I believe in warmth, understanding and acceptance, with every small step celebrated.
- “The Pottering Shed is a truly high quality, bespoke provision. Jemma’s depth of SEN knowledge shines through in every aspect of the practice. Everything is thoughtfully planned around the individual child, making it an exceptional provision for children with complex needs. ”
- York Local Authority Approved Provider in Copmanthorpe, York.
- Contact: thepotteringshedjemma@gmail.com for more information.
The Pottering Shed Approach
No child should become invisible or lost in our current education system. The Pottering Shed is rooted in Emotion Coaching and Zones of Regulation, The Pottering Shed provides individualised, nurturing support built around emotional wellbeing, trusted relationships and meaningful learning.
Every child matters. Every child deserves to feel seen, understood and supported to thrive.
Aligned with York SEND outcomes, children are supported to develop:
- Health & Wellbeing through regulation, sensory strategies and emotional support.
- Voice & Choice through personalised, child led learning.
- Safety through trusted relationships and calm routines.
- Achievement through small step goals and meaningful learning.
- Inclusion through engaging experiences where every child is accepted for being themselves.
- Resilience through emotional literacy and problem solving.
- Independence through mentoring, life skills and decision-making.
The Pottering Shed Primary and The Pottering Path Secondary Provision Offer
- The Pottering Primary Pupil Provision…Relational, Child Centred Learning… Discover Emotions, One Sensory Step at a Time…
- A nurturing, hands-on approach to the Primary National Curriculum and Mental Health Curriculum, shaped around each child’s interests, needs and individual outcomes.
- Personalised Learning through crafts, experiments, play, projects and real-life experiences.
- Regulation & Wellbeing supported through sensory breaks and individualised approaches.
- Curriculum Linked Activities tailored to each child’s needs and interests.
- Real Life Experiences including trips, wellbeing walks and meaningful projects.
- Small Step Outcomes that celebrate progress and capture achievement.
- Small steps. Big achievements. Meaningful progress.
- The Pottering Path…Mentoring & Emotional Development for Secondary Pupils… Meeting you where you are, walking forward together…
- A non clinical SEMH and ASC mentoring provision built on emotional safety, trust and connection, supporting children to build confidence and navigate their educational journey.
- Regulation Led Support through co-regulation, sensory strategies and nurturing support.
- Bespoke Mentoring & Emotional Development building emotional literacy, confidence and resilience.
- ASC Informed, Future Focused Guidance developing self-awareness, self-advocacy, independence and practical life skills.
- Outcome Led, Collaborative Practice shaped around personalised goals, child voice, family input and EHCP guidance.
- Connection before expectation. Progress without pressure. A journey shaped around you.
My Values
I am a believer in recognising the qualities of all children.
I am a loud champion and advocate for individual talents.
I am a gentle scaffolder, when children face challenges.
I am a calm sea in any child’s ‘storm.’ I can change direction when needed.
I am a mountain climber, hand holder, heart giver and a listening ear.
I am part of ‘your village’ to help grow a resilient child, without any judgment.
A rich, individualised approach…
I believe children learn best when they feel safe, well and understood. Sessions combine creative, sensory and hands-on experiences with real-life skills, emotional wellbeing and individual learning goals.
All sessions are 1:1 and completely bespoke, supporting each child to build confidence, resilience and the skills they need to thrive.
Children who are currently unable to access education are welcomed with open arms and an understanding heart.
How are sessions funded?
Our sessions provide personalised, high quality support tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Some sessions are privately funded through a flexible schooling agreement, allowing families to supplement their child’s education with additional tailored support.
Other sessions are funded directly through school, ensuring that sessions align with the child’s educational plan and broader learning goals.
Who is The Pottering Shed for?
The Pottering Shed supports children with SEMH and ASC needs who may find mainstream settings overwhelming.
We welcome referrals for children who:
- Need support with transitions, change or emotional regulation
- Benefit from a calm, sensory-friendly environment
- Are struggling to engage with mainstream education
- Are home educated and would benefit from support, structure and positive learning experiences
Our aim is to help children build confidence, develop regulation skills and reconnect with learning at their own pace.
Calming Spaces
Dream. Express. Nourish.
The Pottering Shed has grown! Our new workshop and Play Den offer more space to create, explore, connect, rest and reset.
Children learn across a range of environments, including:
The home kitchen, The Pottering Shed, The garden, The local community, Educational trips and visits and The Play Den.
How The Pottering Shed Makes a Difference…
We gather regular feedback from schools, families, professionals and children. The message is consistent: The Pottering Shed is a happy, safe and nurturing space where children want to be.
Here’s a small flavour of what The Pottering Shed truly feels like:
Connection & Relationships
“The trust our child has in you knowing you are a safe person who understands and respects her is amazing.”
“A safe place to grow.”
Confidence, Learning & Adventure
“The practical, hands-on learning helped him overcome anxiety, become more independent and grow in confidence.”
“The Pottering Shed has given our child more confidence and gently helped them step outside their comfort zone.”
Individualised Support
“Our child has flourished and truly blossomed with you.”
“A lifeline for our family.”
Emotional Wellbeing
“She has genuinely taken on board what you have taught her about the Zones of Regulation.”
“I always feel calm at The Pottering Shed.”
“It’s my favourite day of the week.”
A Positive Start
“She took to you immediately and was in such a good mood all the way home.”
Professional Feedback
“The Pottering Shed is a high quality provision in all aspects.”
“The depth of SEN knowledge shines through in the quality of the practice.”
“Everything is planned around the individual student.”
“The time and effort invested into each truly individual session is exceptional.”
“The bespoke nature of The Pottering Shed makes it an ideal provision for students with complex and multiple needs.”
“Once you visit, you realise it is so much more than it appears.”
Come and Discover The Pottering Shed…
For more information regarding the referral process, policies, pricing packages, suitability and/or to visit us, please get in touch.
The Pottering Shed is a very small, part-time provision, ensuring genuinely individualised support to each child and family.
Spaces are currently full, but please do get in touch as placements can change termly and future availability may arise.
Email: thepotteringshedjemma@gmail.com
