Bures Primary SchoolOur Universal Offer · a guide for parents and carers

Support for every child, in every classroom, every day.

Our Universal Offer is everything we do to help all children feel safe, settled and able to learn. It is in place for every child at Bures, whatever their needs, and nobody has to ask for it.

Teachers use a lot of shorthand for these strategies. This guide explains each one in plain English, so you know what your child experiences at school and what you might hear them talk about at home.

No diagnosis needed.Everything in the Universal Offer is available to any child who would benefit from it, at any time.
Foundations for everyone

How support works at Bures

Support in school builds up in three layers. Every child has the first layer. Some children need a little extra for a while, and a few need a plan built around them. Choose a layer to see what it involves and what you can expect.

Explore the Universal Offer

Choose an area, then tap any strategy to find out what it means.

If your child…

Every child has things they find harder. Pick one to see some of the everyday support already in place in class. None of it needs a referral or a plan.

What sits underneath it all

PACE

PACE is how our adults try to be with children, especially when a child is struggling. It was developed by psychologist Dan Hughes and helps children feel understood before we ask them to change anything.

Therapeutic Thinking

Our behaviour policy follows Therapeutic Thinking, an approach used across Suffolk. It sees behaviour as communication. Rather than relying on rewards and sanctions alone, adults look at what a child is feeling and what they need, teach the behaviour we want to see, and plan so that difficult moments are less likely to happen again.

PPlayfulnessA light, warm tone that helps children relax and connect.
AAcceptanceAccepting a child's feelings, even when we don't accept the behaviour.
CCuriosityWondering “what's going on for you?” instead of “why did you do that?”
EEmpathyShowing children we understand how hard something feels.

Who to talk to

You know your child best. If you have a worry, please talk to us early. Most concerns are sorted with small changes from the Universal Offer.

  1. Your child's class teacherAlways the first person to speak to. Catch them at the door, or arrange a time through the school office.
  2. Our SENDCo, Mrs HowsonIf you and the class teacher feel your child may need more than the Universal Offer, our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator can help look at next steps.
  3. An Inclusion Support MeetingIf targeted support is needed, we meet with you to agree what will be put in place and how we will know it is working.