We are the Owls, and we are a mixed class of KS1 children in The Nest. There are ten of us in Owls who are supported by Mrs Newman, Miss McGuinness, Miss Walton, Miss Stewart and Mrs Robison who help us with our learning, communication and language and social, emotional and mental health development.
Our Classroom
The Owl classroom has a number of areas where we can access learning independently, on a one to one basis and in small groups. Our classroom has a number of spaces where we can access continuous provision independently, as well as with the support of our teachers throughout the day. We have a home corner, construction and small world area, reading area, snack and kitchen area, an intervention room, a state-of-the-art sensory room and sensory circuit, and an outdoor area with sensory swings and climbing equipment. Our classroom has opportunities for formal teacher led learning and personalised learning. Our outdoor area provides us with opportunities to practice and learn lots of new physical skills. It also gives us the opportunity to explore and learn about the world around us. It helps us with our physical development, social development and mental health and supports our sensory and self-regulation needs.
Our Curriculum
The Owl class has a structured and supported environment where the children feel secure, develop confidence and reach their full potential. We also have opportunities to learn and play alongside our mainstream peers. Our curriculum is based around individual children’s needs and targets identified in EHCPs. We are supported to engage in a wide range of curriculum areas that allow us to make progress and develop at our own rate.
Visual Aids/Makaton
In Owl class, we use visual aids (signs & symbols) on a daily basis to support communication, understanding and learning. We have personalised visual timetables and staff work with us to help us transition from one activity to the next. We use ‘Now and Next’ boards to help us make choices and when we need the day breaking up into smaller segments, and we use choosing boards for many of the activities in the classroom. As well as this, our teachers use Makaton to help with our communication and understanding.
Home-school links
Parents/carers are encouraged to be involved with all aspects of their child’s education. Parent-teacher meetings are held throughout the year, and EHCP review meetings are held once a year. Parents/carers are able to communicate with staff face to face or by email.
KS2 (Owl Class) – hnewman@thomasgrayprimary.co.uk
SENCOs (Miss McGaw, Miss Briscoe and Miss Bell) – sencos@thomasgrayprimary.co.uk
