About Us
We are a primary school for boys and girls with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
At Bowden Primary, we recognise that every child is unique. We focus on each pupil’s individual strengths, needs, interests and potential. Our highly skilled and experienced staff understand the impact of trauma and adverse experiences. We use this understanding to create a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where pupils feel valued, understood and ready to learn and are able to develop academically, socially and emotionally.
• Relationships first: Positive, trusting relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We take time to understand each pupil and build relationships based on consistency, trust and respect.
• Consistent routines and expectations: Clear, predictable routines, supported by visual timetables, help pupils feel secure and know what to expect throughout the day.
• A balanced school day: Our mornings focus on academic learning, while afternoons provide opportunities for enrichment, practical learning and developing new skills.
• Positive transitions: We offer a gentle ‘soft start’ to the school day, giving children the opportunity to settle in, enjoy breakfast and choose from a range of activities.
• Learning at the right pace: Lessons are short and supported by regular breaks, including snack and story time. This helps pupils to remain engaged and ready to learn.
• Sensory provision: Pupils have timetabled access to our sensory room at times when they may benefit most from a calm and supportive environment. Sensory circuits are carefully planned around pupils’ specific needs.
• ‘Stage Not Age’: We use our own ‘Stage Not Age’ curriculum, which ensures that learning is matched to each pupil’s current level of understanding and ability.
• Making learning accessible: We use ‘Thinking Frames’ to scaffold learning and help every pupil access lessons, develop confidence and make progress at their own pace.
• Learning through experience: Our topic-based approach makes learning relevant, practical and engaging. This is supported by hands-on activities and meaningful visits into the wider community.
• Enrichment for all: Our diverse enrichment programme gives pupils opportunities to discover new interests and develop practical skills through activities such as cycling, canoeing, Forest School, volunteering at our local City Farm, horse riding, cooking and gardening.
• Supporting communication: We use dual coding and Makaton to support pupils who may experience difficulties with language processing and communication.
• Positive behaviour: We explicitly teach and model positive behaviour through our Golden Rules. Social stories are used to help pupils understand expectations and develop positive choices.
• Understanding emotions: Through the Zones of Regulation, pupils learn to recognise and understand their feelings and develop strategies to manage their emotions and self-regulate.
• Healthy relationships: Our PSHE curriculum places a strong emphasis on developing social skills, building confidence and understanding healthy relationships.
• Celebrating success: Our reward system recognises individual achievements through Dojo points and encourages teamwork and collaboration through We Not Me points.
• Working in partnership with parents: We value strong, positive relationships with parents and carers and believe that working together is key to supporting our pupils. We maintain regular positive communication with families and provide opportunities for parents and carers to be part of school life through events such as our Christmas lunch and summer barbecue.
At Bowden Primary, we believe that every child can achieve when they are given the right support, opportunities and encouragement. Our aim is to create a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where every pupil can discover their strengths and enjoy learning.