Otters
Welcome to Otters Class – an informal class with children ages 6-8. We are a class of bright and active learners who love learning. Our learning is structured through a combination of the TEACCH approach, whole class lesson time, play-based learning, sensory fun and child-led exploration. We ensure each day that the classroom environment meets the needs of the children, is fully child-centred and supportive for all who enter the room.
Our Team
Class Teacher: Caite
Support Staff: Evie, Jen, Olivia
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.
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. 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.