Introduction
Emily Rubin helped create the SCERTS framework. It is used to assess needs and plan support. She has worked with teams in Somerset across education, health and care to use this approach. She has also run sessions for parent carers to explain SCERTS and how it can help their children.
SCERTs as a guideline for meaningful connection
SCERTS is an evidence-based framework. It helps people build confidence and connect with others in ways that matter to them. It focuses on creating a positive environment for young people who are autistic or who have social, emotional and mental health needs.
Guidelines are provided to enhance a learner’s active engagement. It helps children make progress and supports families and schools to feel confident in helping them.
SCERTS also helps people across education, health and care to work together in a joined-up way.
SCERTS in action in Somerset
Somerset has 11 SCERTS Pathfinder Schools:
- Holway Park Community School, Taunton: Lucinda Hall SENDCo lucinda.hall@holwaypark.somerset.sch.uk
- Walton CofE Primary School, Taunton: Katherine Cooper katherine.cooper@waltonprimary.co.uk
- Trull CofE Primary School, Trull CofE Primary School, Taunton: Rachel Cerullo rachel.cerullo@trullschool.co.uk
- Wembdon St George’s Church School, Bridgwater: Anne Bulley, SENDCO anne.ellis@wembdon.bwmat.org
- Burnham Infant School, Burnham-on-Sea: Carly Hatch chatch@burnhaminfants.com
- St Andrews CofE Junior School, Burnham-on-Sea: Tamsin Thomson SENDCo tthomson@standrewsjuniors.co.uk
- Cheddar First School, Cheddar: Suzi Smith ssmith@cheddarfirstschool.co.uk
- Hindhayes Infants School, Street: Kate Nester, headteacher kate.nester@hindhayes.co.uk
- Croscombe Primary School, Wells: Tracy Massey, Autism and Communication Advisory Teacher tracy.masseysturgess@croscombestokefederation.co.uk
- Birchfield Community Primary School, Yeovil: Verity Walker, SENDCo vwalker@birchfieldprimaryschool.co.uk
- Ashlands CofE Primary School, Crewkerne: Kay Dawson SENDCo kdawson@ashlandsprimary.school
Their work is shown in the video below. This video was created with Emily Rubin, Somerset schools and local services. It shows how SCERTS works in practice and the difference it can make for children and young people.
You can also read the SCERTS training slides and a report on how SCERTS is working in Somerset.
If your school has completed the SCERTS training, you can contact a local Pathfinder School for support.
