We have an on-site Designated Unit. Our Topaz, Turquoise and Emerald classes cater for children with an Autism diagnosis from Reception – Year 6. 

What we offer:

Our classrooms offer different types of environments to meet the children where they are, supporting their individual needs. 

Our Semi-Formal classrooms allows the children to engage in independent learning at designated work stations. These tasks are pitched at their own academic level ensuring progression of knowledge and skills. Our Pre-Formal classrooms allow children to engage at a sensory exploration level, developing foundational skills and encouraging engagement and interaction. In both classes, a range of strategies are used to support communication.

All children are supported by our highly trained staff who are committed to ensuring opportunities for learning, developing knowledge and foundational skills that are essential to not only their journey through education but can be applied to the wider world around them. Our aim is to equip the children, giving them a firm foundation that will allow each child to navigate through life as they grow and prepare for adulthood.

Our learning:

The children we support in our Designated Unit are held at the centre of all decisions. We have created a curriculum and assessment framework that allows every child, irrespective of their starting point, to be able to engage and make progress. With this holistic approach at the forefront of our thinking at all times, we ensure each child has the best possible chance to achieve their goals and outcomes.

Each topic is designed with the children in mind, ensuring it is meaningful and relevant to each child with core life skills, physical development and self-care woven into this rich, engaging curriculum. We want to ensure children have opportunities throughout the day to engage in learning and development of skills that are pertinent to them at the point in their development.

Our environment:

Our Designated Unit runs separately from our mainstream school to allow for an environment and approach that appropriately matches each individual needs. We are very proud of the environment we can provide for the children within our provision with 3 classrooms, a vast and engaging outside area, with mud kitchen and sensory activities, allowing the children to engage in learning opportunities throughout the day. Each classroom has its own set of toilets and designated eating areas to support essential life skills. We use elements of the TEACCH priorities, visuals, zones of regulation, attention autism and intensive interaction to ensure we are providing the very best learning environment for our children. 

Admission:

All admissions must go through a consultation process by SEN Services at Enfield Council. Children must have an EHCP and a diagnosis of autism.

At Fleecefield Primary School, we have a Nurture Group called Diamond Class.

The Nurture Group is staffed by a Key Worker and a Teaching Assistant. They work together to provide children with a stable, nurturing environment.

What is a Nurture Group?

A Nurture Group is a small support group for children who are experiencing difficulties in their mainstream class. There may be many reasons why young children experience difficulties. It may be a result of going through some form of trauma, living with a disability and, at times, everyday events such as losing a loved one, being separated from a close member of the family or the birth of a new baby can unsettle a child. In other cases, children may take longer to learn, to talk or to develop other physical skills, and this can have an impact on their ability to cope in a large class.

The Nurture Group staff also receive advice, guidance, and support from the school’s Educational Psychologist and other external agencies. The Local Authority monitors the Nurture Group at Fleecefield annually.

How does it work?

In the Nurture Group adults and children work closely together. It is a homely setting with clear routines and boundaries. It is a place where mistakes and accidents are discussed sensitively, and where children gain confidence and learn about themselves and their world at a pace and in a manner which suits them. Most children are keen to come to Rainbow Class and really benefit from this provision.

At Fleecefield most of the children who come to the Nurture Group are in Year One and Two and occasionally we may work with children in Reception. The children we work with depends on the needs of the children.  There is a maximum of eight children in the group and most will be supported by us for three or four terms. It is important that the children continue to be part of their mainstream class, even though they will spend a considerable amount in the Nurture Group during the week. We work alongside their mainstream class and follow the same curriculum, although this is often adapted to meet the needs of the child. We work hard to ensure that the child is included so that they are able to settle easily when they are ready to return to their mainstream class full-time.

Working with us

We believe that parent involvement is key to supporting us to enable your child to reach their potential. We like to meet with parents regularly as you know your child best. You help us to understand your child and then we can work with them more effectively. We are always available to discuss your child’s achievements and challenges. Parents often find it useful to meet with us informally before school or when school finishes. If there is a reason that we cannot meet we will make an appointment to see you as soon as we can.

You can find more information by clicking here