Dothill Primary School

The Rainbow Room is one of Dothill’s dedicated Inclusion Bases. It offers a calm, nurturing environment for children who may find the pace or sensory demands of a mainstream classroom challenging for social, emotional, behavioural, or developmental reasons. Our aim is to ensure every child feels understood, supported and able to learn in the ways that suit them best.

The Rainbow Room follows a flexible, carefully adapted curriculum designed to meet children at their current stage of learning. Our whole‑school ethos of being Ready, Respectful and Safe is taught through clear, compassionate instruction, just as it is in all our Inclusion Bases. Emotional co‑regulation and self‑regulation are woven through every part of our day, supported by warm, relational emotional coaching using the PACE approach.

We also draw on elements of the TEACCH approach, which provides structure, visual supports and predictable routines to help children feel secure, reduce anxiety, and develop independence. These strategies help children understand what to expect and how to engage confidently in their learning.

Working closely with the Local Authority’s Lead Specialist Practitioners, we monitor each child’s progress using a “small steps” model that recognises growth of all kinds. We regularly collaborate with external professionals to strengthen our provision and support smooth, successful transitions back to mainstream learning when the time is right. To help with this, mainstream staff visit the Rainbow Room often, ensuring strong connections and continuity for the children.

Our team is highly attuned to the needs, strengths and communication styles of every child. Learning takes place through a blend of 1:1 teaching, small‑group sessions and targeted interventions that foster confidence, friendships, and essential social skills. When 1:1 sessions are used, they are personalised using evidence‑based programmes and tailored to each child’s profile.

We are incredibly proud of the children who learn and thrive in the Rainbow Room and warmly invite you to explore our work further. Please click the links below to find out more.