At Fountaindale, our school day is designed to provide pupils with consistency, security and a wide range of opportunities to learn, communicate, develop independence and have fun.

Our classes operate in a similar way to a primary school class. Pupils are based in their own classroom for the majority of the day and learn alongside a familiar team of staff. This provides a consistent environment where pupils can build trusting relationships and feel confident and ready to learn.

Each class team is made up of:

• A Class Teacher - responsible for leading learning and ensuring the curriculum meets the needs of every pupil.
• Curriculum Teaching Assistant - supporting pupils to access learning, develop skills and participate fully in school life.
• Personal Care Assistants - supporting pupils with their personal care, health and physical needs throughout the school day.

Our staff work closely together so that learning, communication, personal development and care are seamlessly integrated throughout the day.

A typical day

The school day runs from 8:45am until 3:15pm.

While each day has a clear structure, our timetable is flexible. We recognise that our pupils have different needs and that some may need additional opportunities for regulation, sensory breaks, communication or movement.

Learning throughout the day

Our pupils access a broad and balanced curriculum throughout the week.

This includes focused learning in:

Communication and Literacy
Phonics, guided reading, handwriting, communication activities, stories and developing language and communication skills.

Cognition and Numeracy
Maths, Mastering Number, number formation and practical mathematical experiences.

Physical Development
PE, dance, outdoor activities, movement and opportunities to develop physical skills.

Human Kind and Nature
PSHE, RSE, RE, rights, relationships and understanding ourselves and the world around us.

Exploration, Place and Space
Topic work, creativity, nature, exploration and developing an understanding of the wider world.

Alongside these areas, pupils have regular opportunities to develop independence, communication, social skills, emotional regulation and personal development.

Learning beyond the classroom

Although pupils are based primarily in their own classroom, the school day includes plenty of opportunities to experience different environments and activities.

Pupils take part in clubs, assemblies, community experiences, physical activities, creative sessions and specialist activities throughout the week.

We also welcome a range of external providers and specialist practitioners into school who enrich our curriculum and provide experiences that might not otherwise be available to our pupils.

These include activities such as:

Forest Schools - developing confidence, independence, exploration and a connection with nature.

Sports - developing physical skills, teamwork, participation and enjoyment.

Dance - developing movement, expression, confidence and creativity.

These opportunities complement the work of our class teams and allow pupils to experience new activities, develop new interests and discover what they enjoy.

Lunch, clubs and social time

Lunchtime is an important part of the school day. As well as eating, pupils have opportunities to socialise, develop independence and take part in lunchtime clubs and activities.

Staff support pupils to develop skills such as making choices, communicating preferences, managing routines and becoming increasingly independent.

Ending the day

At the end of each day, pupils have time to reflect on and celebrate what they have done.

Classes may use sharing activities, stories, music and good-bye songs to bring the day to a positive close.

On Fridays, the whole school comes together for our weekly assembly, providing an opportunity to celebrate achievements, recognise pupil successes and come together as a school community.

Every day is different

Although our pupils follow a clear and purposeful weekly timetable, no two days are exactly the same.

Our staff adapt activities, provide additional support and respond to the individual needs of pupils throughout the day. Sometimes this means changing an activity, providing extra sensory regulation, taking learning outdoors or giving a pupil more time to communicate and process an experience.

Our aim is to make every part of the school day meaningful, purposeful and enjoyable.