• Arbour Vale School, Farnham Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL2 3AE
  • 01753 515 560
  • office@arbourvaleschool.org

Summer Club Letter 2023

Emergency, Out of Hours number: 07519 130641

Early Years

Phase Leader: Charlene Ward

The early years phase at Arbour Vale School caters for pupils with a range of complex learning needs, providing early years opportunities for children from 2 – 8 years of age.

Class groups consist of an average of seven pupils and support ratios vary depending on the learning needs of the children within each class. There are currently 41 children across the five classes in the early years phase. Three of the classes in early years are specifically for children with Autism, one is for children with complex medical needs and profound learning difficulties and the other has children with a range of complex learning needs, some of whom have Autism but are beginning to engage in social interactions with their peers.

The early years’ staff team support parents and pupils in the transition from home, preschool or other previous setting into Arbour Vale School and work closely with parents to ensure there is on-going carryover of learning between home and school. Staff also work closely with a range of professionals to integrate a wide range of therapeutic interventions into daily activities. Physical development is a core focus within the early years’ curriculum and teachers liaise closely with physiotherapists and occupational therapists to ensure that children are making progress against their developmental milestones.  Other specialists provide input for children with visual, hearing or multi-sensory impairment and adaptations to the curriculum are made to accommodate these. For some pupils, hydrotherapy, massage and sensory workouts are a part of their individual timetable.

The Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is adapted to meet the individual needs of all pupils and allows for child led learning, as well as adult supported learning through play. Children engage in exploration of a wide range of activities that are well planned to match their developmental stage of learning and capture their interest. Particular focus is placed on developing children’s personal, social and emotional development through focused work on turn taking and learning about positive relationships and interactions which are modelled by staff.

The early years phase places a great emphasis on developing children’s communication skills, using various methods appropriate to their level of understanding, motor function and oral motor skills. These methods include: Tactile Signing for Sensory Learners (TaSSeLs), Makaton, alternative and augmentative systems, tracking, developing speech clarity, encouraging vocalization, symbols, photographs, pictures and objects of reference.  Choosing is a key focus and children are supported to express yes/no, likes/dislikes and to make a preference.

The early years phase teach children to celebrate their learning and feel proud of what they can achieve; building their resilience  and confidence as well as helping them to acquire core skills. This provides a solid foundation for children to build upon when they move into the primary phase of their education.

Early Years Rolling Programme

 

 

 

 

 

Latest News

Autism Parent Support Group – Tuesday 6th June

Parents and carers are invited to attend our next Parent Support group for parents of children and young people with Autism on Tuesday 6th June from 10am-11.30am. We will have a guest speaker, Joe Harvey a young man who will …

Read more

PPE Donation thanks

Principal, Neil Sykes was delighted to take delivery of a donation of personal protective equipment for the school. SEND-Help, an organisation that supports the school, arrived at the school with a van-load of donated gloves, aprons, masks and other items …

Read more

Arbour Vale’s Got Talent

Our Secondary and Post 16 pupils showed what a talented bunch of young people they are at a talent show, which was part of our Coronation Day celebrations in school. Acts included singing, dancing, impressions and much more. Some pupils …

Read more

Coronations Celebrations

On Friday 5th May we celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III in style with a day of special activities. Everyone was invited to dress up for the day in red, white and blue or royalty themed outfits. The day …

Read more