Primary

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs is one of four Primary classes and is part of the Pathway 1 progression route across Foxwood Academy. At present there are  seven students within the class; five boys and two girls aged between seven and eleven years of age. Pupils in this class have a range of diagnoses including ASC and Epilepsy; quite often the students also have complex sensory profiles. We pride ourselves on knowing our students as the unique individuals they are and celebrating all their achievements whether these are social, emotional, or academic.   

There are 4 members of staff in Hedgehogs each day; Helen Howe (Teacher Monday-Thursday) Lucy Korneluk  (Teacher Friday) and Maria Clay, Donna Lack, and Lucy Harriman (Full time TA'S)

All staff work together to ensure that planning, delivery and learning approaches are consistent. We work closely with a range of other professionals given the nature of need in Hedgehogs including a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, and physiotherapist. Their input is focused and will usually result in a personalised programme or plan being devised.  

Hedgehogs are class based in their own large space with an attached care suite with a shower. Our learning environment is linked to our half-termly topics and has specific areas for sensory play, role-play, reading, calm time, group work and much more. Learning in Hedgehogs is mainly play-based and investigative so pupils can lead their learning and become more independent. By providing a fun, safe and engaging environment, the students in Hedgehogs are enabled to succeed and achieve. Full advantage is also taken of other Academy facilities including the hall, sensory garden, and sensory therapy rooms. The class also have regular opportunities to venture off-site to enhance their learning.   

Hedgehogs class benefit from a nurturing and a calm atmosphere to help them build their confidence and feel supported in their development. The students in Hedgehogs are working towards Key Stage End Points (KSEPs) in all core and non-core subjects as well as the Preparing for Adulthood Curriculum. It is hoped these KSEPs will be achieved by the end of Key Stage 2, when the students are eleven years of age.  

Communication between home and school is especially important. Staff make regular calls home and students’ planners are checked each day and a note written from the Academy. Classroom staff are always happy to talk with parents and carers at times that are convenient for all. Class DoJo is also used to communicate and share regular updates including use of photographs of our students’ achievements.

Rabbits

Rabbits is one of the four primary classes and is part of Pathway 2 within the Academy. Currently, there are eight students in the class:  four boys and three girls, all in Key Stage 1-2.

The ‘Rabbits’ are a vibrant group of students who are playful and inquisitive. They enjoy learning through hands-on experiences and play. All learners in the class have a range of complex learning needs related to communication, interpersonal, and self-help skills, with most of the class having a diagnosis of ASC or ADHD.

The class is taught by Isabella King, who is supported by Katie Taylor-Keightley, Alex Antonio and Abigail Eastwood.

The children access most of the curriculum in their own classroom, a calming and stimulating environment that celebrates their achievements. They also benefit from the Academy’s facilities, including the kitchen, hall, soft play area, outdoor space, and sensory room. The students study English and Maths four times a week, with daily reading and phonics sessions.

Opportunities are provided to explore the wider community and local area through weekly community visits in the minibus. Throughout the year, children also have regular opportunities to engage in PE, horse riding, and swimming. The students explore their creative sides through activities like art, cooking, music, and drama. They also participate in the Preparing for Adulthood curriculum, which helps them develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to promote future employment, community involvement, independence, and health.

We maintain daily communication with home via planners or telephone calls. We love sharing the great work our students do and celebrating their successes, using Class DoJo to share photos and updates throughout the year.

Squirrels

Squirrels is one of four primary classes and is part of the Pathway 3 progression route through Foxwood Academy. We are a class made up of six boys and two girls aged between 6-11 years old. We have a range of needs in class and pride ourselves in celebrating and challenging our children to be the best that they can be whilst working with us in Squirrels.

In Squirrels, there are three adults, Liam Smith (class teacher), Katie Baraniak (class teacher) and Kim Witham (teaching assistant).

All staff members that work with Squirrels understand the different needs of the class and use consistent approaches to teaching and behaviour management to ensure that the children thrive no matter who is in the classroom. We work closely with outside agencies to help ensure that each of the children are getting exactly what they need and deserve as part of their education.

The curriculum in Squirrels is one that supports children in developing skills across all areas. As a class we particularly enjoy Independence and Employment which are both part of Foxwood’s Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) curriculum. We engage with all subjects including maths, reading, daily phonics, writing and science. We access these lessons through investigation and active learning. By accessing all areas of the wider curriculum in a fun and engaging manner the Squirrels shine and succeed.

All children are working towards the Key Stage End Points (KSEPs) that have been outlined for all core, non-core and PfA subjects. It is hoped that all KSEPs will be achieved by the time they are 11 years of age and ready to move onto KS3.