Puffin
"Every child has a different learning style and pace. Every child is unique, not only capable of learning but also succeeding."
Robert John Meehan
Our class teacher is Natasha.
Other adults helping us are Gemma, Faith, Toni and Maria.
In Puffin class we have learners on the semi formal and formal pathways. We love to learn through play based, multi-sensory 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.
Through out 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 and books, 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 Puffin 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. We access to books at our reading levels, alongside audiobooks, online texts and end the day with a story.
Phonics is explored daily at children's individual phases, using their methods of communication, in their morning tasks, phonics lesson starters and weekly phonics lessons. 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 through the week.
Our text this half term:
Communication & Interaction
Puffin class spend lots of time developing our communication skills. We have Snack & Chat every morning; this is a lovely time when we all share exciting news from home, practice asking and answering questions and show an interest in each other, developing both speaking and listening. This helps us to build and maintain relationships with familiar people and build friendships.
Throughout the school day we use a multi-sensory 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 and record their ideas. Children will also have regular opportunities to apply their learning in the local community, termly class trips and in assemblies.
Sensory
All Puffins have opportunities throughout the school day to take a movement break and have a sensory snack as we know this is essential to support regulation and readiness to learn.
Identified children will also take part in sessions such as;
Fun with Foods
Sensory processing
Rebound
Intervention Swimming
Deep Pressure
Attention Autism
M.O.V.E
Light room time
TACPAC
PSHE & Life Skills
We teach and support Life skills and PSHE through whole class lessons, class routines and experiences in the local community.
Life skills include; Functional self help skills, social skills, and vocational skills.
PSHE 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.
Autumn term dates
Click on the dates to enlarge.
Keep an eye on our 
page for details on equipment needed for particular events.
Children who attend swimming sessions please send kit in every week on their identified days.
Whole class timetable
Class Timetable
Alongside our main class timetable above, we have individual timetables as some Puffins access interventions and personalised programmes.
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 visitors are also added with an appropriate visual to prepare the children.
Local Area learning Map.
To support in class learning, interventions and personalised programmes Puffins can also access some of the following. You will be notified if your child has been identified as benefitting from these experiences.
