Keys logo, featuring a black key with a tree inside.

About The Key

The Key Intervention is part of Coventry SEND Service. It is a Local Authority-run intervention, delivered by the specialist teachers of the Social, Emotional, Mental Health and Learning (SEMHL) Team.

The Key offers a part-time intervention for primary-aged pupils, who are struggling to meet the behavioural expectations of their mainstream school, or who are at risk of exclusion. There is also a pathway within the Key intervention for pupils who have been permanently excluded from their mainstream school. The Key works closely with parents/carers and professionals to ensure better outcomes for pupils.

The Key provides a short-term, intensive and therapeutic approach to delivering education. The Intervention focuses on understanding and meeting the social, emotional and mental health needs of pupils, and supporting them to re-engage with learning. Through personalised plans and a holistic approach, pupils develop their independence, perseverance and resilience. Staff are highly skilled in providing a trauma-informed and attachment-aware environment, where all behaviour is seen as a means of communication. There is a strong focus on PACE and relational approaches, where all adults have a clear understanding of their role as co-regulators.

There are differentiated pathways within the Key Intervention to meet the individual pupil's level of need: These pathways range from targeted early intervention for pupils who are finding it difficult to meet the behavioural expectations of mainstream school, to a higher level of specialist support for pupils with significant SEMH needs. The Key uses the ‘My Support Plan’ process to evidence the provision provided and the progress the pupil makes.

All pupils who access The Key Intervention are on roll of a Coventry school. With support and advice from the specialist teachers at The Key, pupils access their home school at least one day each week. Pupils eventually return back to their school setting full-time with increased success following the specialist support received throughout their placement at The Key.

The Key aims

There are three main aims of The Key Intervention:

  • The child - We aim to provide an intense programme of support to help the child to improve their behavioural responses and to understand their potential.
  • The needs -  Our specialist teachers complete a detailed assessment of the pupil’s SEMH needs and make recommendations of how best to support them.
  • The school - We offer advice and guidance to the school on how to effectively implement the recommendations, to best meet the needs of the pupil on their return.

SEND Support Service - The Key Intervention

Telephone: 024 7527 8660