"Educating the mind without educating the heart, is no education at all."

Aristotle

Our class teacher is Lisa

Other adults helping us are: Bridget, Sayarun, Lily and Sophie.

In Finch class our learners are on the pre-semi formal pathway. We love to learn through play-based, multisensory and other meaningful opportunities such as adult-led activities, child-led play and experiences outside the classroom. These cross-curricular learning experiences increase access to our curriculum whilst developing our functional and independence skills.

Throughout our learning journey we focus on the following key areas:

Cognition & Learning

Communication & Language

Social, Emotional & Mental Health

Physical & Sensory

Independence & Self-help

Our progress and achievements are recorded in our work files alongside our class learning journey floor book. Individual learning goals are set and also recorded through Evidence for Learning. We also share our exciting adventures and experiences on Class Dojo and on webpage. 

Reading and Phonics

We love to read and explore texts across the curriculum both inside and outside the classroom. We know this is a skill that impacts all areas of learning and increases independence. Therefore, in Finch class we read 1:1 with an adult every day. 

Drama, small world and sensory experiences are used to explore texts across all the genres.

Phonics is explored at children's individual phases, using their methods of communication. We use a range of resources to support both practical and online, in particular Bug Club. 

Some children may be identified for a reading or phonics interventions through our termly assessments and access 1:1 or small group extra support throughout the week. 

Our text this half term

Communication & Interaction

Throughout the school day we use a multisensory approach to develop and consolidate language.  PECs, AAC devices, Makaton and Widgit visuals are in all aspects of the school day and used across all subjects.

Colourful Semantics is used to support the understanding and application of new language and topics words. It is also used at each child's individual level to develop sentence structure and vocabulary.

Some of the children in class will also access Talk First sessions, use technology as an aid to access learning. Children will also have regular opportunities to apply their learning in the local community, termly class trips and in assemblies.

Sensory

All Finches have opportunities throughout the school day to take a movement break as well as breaks for sensory regulation as and when required. This is essential as we understand that a child is unable to learn if they are not regulated. 

Identified children will also take part in sessions such as;

Fun with Foods

Sensory processing

Rebound

Intervention Swimming

Deep Pressure

Attention Autism

Light room

PSE & Life Skills

We teach and support Life skills and PSE through class lessons, routines and experiences in the local community.

Life skills include; Functional self help skills, social skills, and vocational skills.

PSE include; Rules and responsibilities, relationships, health and wellbeing, staying safe and Money.

These are through both the curriculum expectations and identified individual needs on ILPs

In addition, as a school we have our 5 Healthy Aims which we work hard every day to achieve.

Class Timetable

Alongside our main class timetable above, we have individual timetables as some Finches access interventions and personalised programmes according to their individual needs.

Every morning we begin our day by identifying the date, weather and the activities on the daily timetable. Where possible changes are marked as a surprise and spoken through. Up coming events or visits are also added with an appropriate visual to prepare the children. 

Local Area learning Map

To support our in-class learning, interventions and personalised programmes, Pupils can also access some of the following.

You will be notified if your child has been identified as benefitting from any of these experiences. 

Keep an eye on our   page for details on equipment needed for particular events.  

Children who attend swimming sessions please send a swim kit every week on their identified days.