The Acorn is a provision for children in reception and Year 1 with an EHCP for complex needs. The placements are determined by the local authority in collaboration with school through panel decisions as part of the EHCP process. Each child starts with a meeting and programme of visits that supports their transition into school and we like to work closely with parents and former settings to ensure a smooth start into school.
The curriculum for the Acorn pupils focuses on the 4 areas of SEND:
· Cognition and Learning
· Communication and Interaction
· Social, Emotional and Mental Health
· Sensory and/or Physical Difficulties
In addition, the curriculum is designed to address children’s EHCP outcomes alongside the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum which is about developing key learning skills such as listening, speaking, concentration, persistence and co-operation. The children are provided with a curriculum that enables them to develop a broad range of knowledge in an environment that allows children to play, explore and practise new ideas and skills.
The Acorn class works as a separate area to the mainstream Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) unit but the school’s EYFS curriculum is used and adapted to meet the needs of the Acorn children. This ensures appropriate coverage whilst balancing children’s SEND needs and requirements.
During your child’s time in the Acorn it is important that parents and staff work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for your child. Here you will find information about your child’s learning experience and important information that you will need to know for your child’s time in the Acorn Provision.
Pathways
Learning pathways look different for each of our children as they are bespoke to meet their individual needs. Some children follow a more curriculum-based approach to learning, with discrete lessons in, for example, English, Maths and Science; these are personalised to support each child’s ability and learning style. Children are supported by an adult but have the opportunity and encouragement to develop their independence. For other children in The Orchard and The Acorn, learning is play-based with many opportunities to explore through sensory experiences either in our classroom, outside in our playground area or in our multi-sensory room. They follow an engagement model for their learning. In the Acorn we use an adapted version of our nursery and reception curriculums.
Name | Role |
Mrs Lewis | Acorn Class Teacher, Assistant Head Teacher and Provision Lead |
Mrs Loubou | Higher Level Learning Support Assistant (HLTA) |
Miss Woolley | Learning Support Assistant |