Our primary class sizes are small, with no more than 5 children in one classroom. The rooms are decorated with appropriate soft furnishings, soft play, Lego, tents, toys and colourful books. The space is set apart from the main school and therefore feels quiet and nurturing with a focus on supporting the sensory needs of the children. Every room has a sensory box with sensory play equipment available for use at any time.
The teaching staff and support staff are all specifically trained in Key Stage 2 education and supporting young people with additional needs such as autism.
Outcomes for the children include working towards re-engaging with their education, overcoming barriers to learning, enabling them to develop coping strategies and finding a balance between their educational and emotional well-being. Progress is closely monitored through termly reports and regular conversations in 'Child in Mind' meetings.
The 'Alternative Offsite Curriculum' is equally important for the primary group at Wings School Notts and the children regularly get the opportunity to learn outside the classroom through sensory walks, gardening onsite and trips into the local community.
The children have a separate timetable to the main school; where break times and lunch/dinner times are scheduled to reduce any overwhelming situations for the children. There is also the option to eat lunch/dinner in their nurturing classroom if they would prefer.
All of the children have access to the specific DBT Therapy pathway lead by the clinical team with input from an Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical Psychologist.
The primary group follows the National Curriculum and the school offers a gradual transition period for children and young people to settle them in to their new school life. Curriculums are individually developed around the child in order for them to achieve success and gain the skills and qualifications needed for them to move on to the next phase of their life.
The main aim and overall focus of our primary group is to fill the gaps in a child's learning and development. Supporting children to understand routine, structure, enjoy playing games, be able to turn take, form meaningful relationships, develop self-confidence and self-esteem and discover and reignite a passion for learning.