Our SchoolSanctuary Spaces
The Umbrella Pods
The Umbrella Pods
The Umbrella Pods are located around each campus.
Under the umbrella, children will be promoting everything about acceptance and staying safe, such as anti-bullying, stranger danger, staying safe online, different families, different cultures and also finding a friend.
Also under the umbrella, not only is there a cuddly elephant but also a box for children to write their worries in. These are then checked and responded to by the grown-ups in school.
"Amazing spaces, super support and resources - FAB!" Parental Feedback
"I am really pleased to hear of how proactive you are being at school with regards to mental health and helping children with the tools they need to enhance positive well-being." Parental Feedback
|
Winfred, Tommy, Pablo and Cuddles all live at our OP campus |
Twinkle, Jasper, Barnaby and Nellie all live at our SW campus |
The Retreat
The Retreat
The Retreat is a carefully designed sanctuary space within Oxley Park Academy, created to support children with emotional regulation in a calm, safe and nurturing environment. Surrounded by natural imagery and gentle textures, The Retreat offers a peaceful pause from the busyness of the school day, allowing children the time and space they need to reset.
At the heart of The Retreat is the Oxley animal family. The soft animal companions provide comfort, familiarity and reassurance, helping children feel grounded and supported as they regulate their emotions. The forest-themed setting, complete with greenery, natural colours and cosy seating, encourages a sense of safety and calm, supporting children to feel relaxed and settled.
The Retreat is a space where children can quietly reflect, practise self-regulation strategies or simply exist in a calm environment with trusted adults nearby. Whether a child needs time to decompress, refocus or feel emotionally secure, The Retreat provides a gentle and structured opportunity to do so.
More than just a physical space, The Retreat represents Oxley Park Academy’s commitment to trauma-informed practice and emotional wellbeing. It is a place where children are met with understanding, compassion and support – helping them return to learning feeling regulated, confident and ready for the next part of their day.
|
The Retreat @ Oxley Park Campus |
The Retreat @ Shenley Wood Campus |
The Treehouse
The Treehouse
The Treehouse is our dedicated mentoring space nestled within the heart of the school — a calm, uplifting environment where children can step away from the classroom and focus on their learning, confidence, and personal growth.
As part of our wider pastoral and learning support provision, The Treehouse offers a welcoming setting where pupils can work closely with our Learning Mentors. Here, children are encouraged to talk openly about their learning journey, explore strategies that help them thrive, and build the skills they need to feel successful both in and out of the classroom.
Our Learning Mentors play a central role in The Treehouse. Through guided activities, reflective conversations, and personalised support, they help children develop resilience, independence, and a positive mindset. Their presence ensures that every child feels listened to, understood, and empowered to take the next steps in their learning.
The Treehouse is more than just a room — it represents our commitment to nurturing the whole child. Whether a pupil needs focused support, a confidence boost, or simply a space to reset and reconnect, The Treehouse is always ready to welcome them.
|
The Treehouse @ Oxley Park Campus |
The Treehouse @ Shenley Wood Campus |
The Virtual Hug
The Virtual Hug
Throughout both sites we have introduced ‘Virtual Hugs.’ These calming spaces are designed to support children when they need some time and space and are not yet ready to talk to an adult.
In each tepee, there is a Panda (one of our Oxley Friends) who the children have named for their individual Street or Quad. The Panda is available for cuddles to help calm and comfort the children, alongside a comfy beanbag and blanket. These areas include books which explore feelings and can then be shared with an adult.
 |
 |
The Calm Room
The Calm Room
The Calm Room is a dedicated regulation space within Oxley Park Academy, thoughtfully designed to support children in managing their emotions in a safe, calm and supportive environment. Soft furnishings, padded surfaces and gentle lighting create a soothing atmosphere where children can pause, reset and feel secure.
As part of our wider sanctuary provision, The Calm Room offers a low-stimulation space away from the demands of the classroom. Calming music and projected moving images are used to promote relaxation, helping to regulate breathing, reduce heightened emotions and create a sense of calm focus. These sensory elements, alongside carefully chosen physical resources, support children to feel grounded and settled.
Adults work alongside children in The Calm Room to provide calm, consistent support, guiding them to recognise their emotions and practise self-regulation strategies. The space encourages children to understand their sensory needs and develop tools they can use to regulate independently over time.
The Calm Room is more than just a quiet space — it reflects Oxley Park Academy’s strong commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and trauma-informed practice. By offering a safe, sensory-rich environment where children can regulate and reflect, The Calm Room plays an important role in helping every child return to learning feeling calm, confident and ready.
The Nest
The Nest
The Nest is our dedicated wellbeing space located in the school garden — a calm, nurturing environment where children can take a moment to pause, reflect, and connect with someone who will listen.
As part of our pastoral care provision, The Nest offers a quiet and supportive setting away from the busyness of the school day. Here, children are welcome to come and talk about how they’re feeling whether they have a worry they need help with or simply want to share something positive that’s happened.
Our Wellbeing Ambassadors play an important role in The Nest. During their allocated times, they are available to offer a friendly ear, provide peer support, and help their classmates feel safe and understood. Their presence encourages children to speak openly, build confidence, and develop healthy emotional habits.
The Nest is more than just a physical space — it is a symbol of our commitment to creating a school community where every child feels heard, valued, and emotionally supported. Whether a child needs comfort, connection, or just a moment of calm, The Nest is always there to welcome them.
 |
 |
 |
 |