At Linwood, we have two classes following the Early Years Foundation stage Curriculum, Caterpillars and Ladybirds. We support each pupil’s individual needs using a personalised approach. We use the Early Years Foundation Development Matters to support the students at a level appropriate to each child. Our provision focuses on communication, regardless of language ability, and as a school we follow a Total Communication Approach which means we use words, symbols, pictures, signing and objects to help students understand. The Early Years handbook gives a fuller picture of provision at Linwood.
Children in our Early Years classes do much of their learning through play and adults support their development by enriching and extending their experiences. The class staff team promote the development of positive behaviour by supporting students to get involved, removing distractions, motivating each child, encouraging friendships and healthy relationships, offering specific praise and establishing routines and structure.
Our classrooms are designed for up to 10 pupils; they are lower arousal rooms with an attached soft play room in Ladybirds and our own outside play areas. We use other areas of the school such as the sensory room, hall, trim trail and play areas. As the year progresses, we go out for walks in the local community to parks, libraries and shops and take the bus further afield for activities linked with our topic.
As parents and carers you’ll play a partner role with the teachers and staff at the school to best support your child. We want to work closely with families and encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience. Information can be shared via the home school communication book, phone calls and informal and formal meetings as well as an initial home-visit when your child starts school. We use an online learning platform, Evidence for Learning, which captures pupil’s learning and is filled with pictures and notes about their learning and development. Families are encouraged to use Evidence for Learning to share proud moments and send in pictures of special events.