Otters

Welcome to Otters Class – our Semi-Formal class for children aged 5 to 7 years who access learning through a balance of structured lesson time and exploratory, play-based learning in a supportive and child-centred environment.

Our Team

Class Teacher: Caite

Support Staff: Claire, Julie and Keighley

We work together as a team to ensure every child receives the support and encouragement they need throughout the school day.

A key focus in Otter's class this year is to ensure all children feel happy and safe in their new classroom environment and feel supported by a predictable daily routine that meets their needs. We aim to promote and develop children's voice and independence to create a learning environment that is child-centred and meaningful for the children. School should be a safe and fun environment for the children to thrive in, and so we want to prioritise positive relationships between all staff and pupils to develop the children's social awareness but also to unlock new potential in their learning.

One of our favourite times of the week is our swimming slot! Swimming provides an opportunity for the children to have fun and explore a different environment whilst developing their gross motor skills and physical education. Swimming also promotes the development of independent living skills. It is important to us that the children gain practical and transferable skills throughout their learning as well as academic knowledge.

Another favoured part of our week is our "fun with food" and cooking lessons. These lessons have encouraged the children in otters' class to develop their confidence around different foods whilst recognising and supporting their sensory needs. The children are all much more confident in sensory exploration around and working with unfamiliar foods, and we've followed instructions to make some great creations such as frozen yoghurt pops and rice cake faces.

The children in Otters class access Stanley's semiformal curriculum, which works to balance structured lesson time with exploratory and play-based learning whilst meeting the social, emotional, and sensory needs of all children in the class. Alongside this, we also have a series of themed weeks of learning in the school that provide the opportunity for the children to gain insight into other topics or areas of learning to develop their understanding.

One key focus throughout all this learning is for meaningful progress to be made for all children, which we support through our personalised learning goals and these underpin all teaching and learning. Moreover, with the children in Otters' class being at the earlier stages of their Stanley journey, it is important that a clear sense of class and peer relationships are created to open up opportunities for a variety of whole class, small group and 1-1 learning experiences.

In Otters class we post a daily class story with a detailed insight into the children's day of learning, play and eating alongside lots of lovely pictures. I also have an open dialogue with each family to ensure any specific information is passed on and that all the children's needs are being effectively met. There are also opportunities for parents to attend parents' evenings, school events, and positive support meetings to ensure we are all working in the best interest of the children.