Opportunity Base Additional Information

Contact to discuss child needs

Who will I contact to discuss the concerns or needs of my child?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

To discuss admission to the base please contact Mrs J Merritt Head of Base and Deputy Head.

About the school

Assessing children

How does the school know how well my child is doing?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

• Where the school’s assessment tool Frog is not able to break down a child’s progress sufficiently in reading, writing and/or maths l B squared will be used instead.
• B squared Autism profile may also be used to assess progress

Informing parents and carers

How will I be kept informed about how well my child is doing?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Updates on progress

How regularly will I be updated on my child’s progress?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

If a child is not making progress

Will I know if my child is not making progress and what will happen?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Curriculum

What is the curriculum and how is it taught?

• Classes within the Opportunity Base are much smaller (between 8-12) and have a higher adult ratio than mainstream classes.
• Opportunity Base classes are located within the open plan environment of the school.

Adapting for child needs

How will the curriculum be adapted to meet the needs of my child?

See Foresters Primary School

ASD friendly strategies are used within the classes – visual symbols, reduced language, less distracting environment, sensory programmes, emotions scale.

Teacher flexibility on child needs

How flexible can teachers be in meeting the needs of my child?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

• Children attending the Opportunity Base should be able to benefit from some element of integration into mainstream and this will be looked at on an individual basis. Opportunity Base classes are located within the open plan environment of the school. Children within the base often have sensory needs and staff are trained to recognise these and provide appropriate support to help them self-regulate. However children placed in the base provision will need to be able to operate within open- plan environment. The environment MUST be a consideration when discussing placement as it may not be appropriate for children with high sensory needs, due to noise, visual stimulation and general busyness.

Additional support

Is there any additional support available to help my child reach his/her expected outcomes?

Adults support children when integrating into mainstream but independence is encouraged and this may not always be necessary.

Learning strategies

Are there any special features or strategies to help children learn?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

• The Opportunity Base has on site Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy for part of the week. This is delivered through Cognus and decided upon according to need and the provision set out in a child’s EHCP. Direct therapy and/or advice may be provided. The therapists work closely with school staff to support the needs of identified children. They are available to meet with parents by appointment.

Meeting child needs

How do I know my child’s particular need will be met?

• There is a sensory room used to support children’s communication skills and help with emotional regulation and relaxation.
• Once a child is placed with us we will do our best to meet their needs. Very occasionally for some children it becomes clear that we are no longer the correct provision and we are unable to meet their needs. In these very rare instances we will work with parents and the local authority to find a more appropriate provision that parents are happy with. If we do have any concerns about placement we will always discuss this with parents at the earliest stage.

Access to exams

What arrangements are available for pupils to access tests and assessments?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

All children in the base are considered for inclusion in formal tests and assessments. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis as to whether they can access the tests or if any access arrangements need to be put in place.

Additional support or time for exams

How will I know if my child qualifies for additional support or time to access tests?

Class teachers will inform parents/carers whether their child qualifies for additional support or time to access tests.

Comfort, safety and socialising

How does the school help my child to feel comfortable and safe and manage social situations?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Developing social & emotional skills

How does the school help develop my child’s social and emotional skills?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

• Use of social stories to help develop understanding of social situations children are finding difficult and to prepare them for transitions.
• Home school books are used to support communication for children in the base who arrive by SEN transport.
• Intensive Interaction and dramatherapy as therapies on a needs basis and based on availability. Identified children will be placed on a waiting list.

Early Help Support in the Community (Tier 2)

Examples : please include any ELSA  

( Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), counselling, Talk and draw, parent groups, support groups for parents and children e.g. Self Esteem and social skills, Clinical Psychology paid for by the school, Mentoring, Anger management / Feelings work.

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Bullying

What is the school’s policy on bullying?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Disability support

What facilities are in the school to assist children with disabilities move around the building and take part in lessons?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Accessing lessons

How do I know my child will be able to access all lessons?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Who we work with

Who does the school work with?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Working with other agencies

How does the school work with other agencies?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

• The school has support within school from a specialist ASD advisor.
• The school is able to access on site Speech and Language Therapy and/or Occupational Therapy, where this is part of a child’s EHCP. Other children can be referred according to need.

Informing parents and carers

How will I be informed?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Helping your child settle with confidence

How will the school help my child settle with confidence and manage change as they move between schools and year groups?

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

• Children starting in the base attend a familiarisation visit.
• Planned programme of transition during summer term for children moving between classes.
• Transition book for all children in base to prepare them for transition at end of year.

Extended School Day

What additional facilities do you offer?e.g. Breakfast club; After school clubs; walking train to after school care

See Foresters Primary School Information Report

Children on SEN transport attending after school clubs will need to be collected by parents/carers

Policies Links to school policies

http://www.foresters.sutton.sch.uk/policies.php