Foundations For Life

2022 -2023

“Working together to do our best”

Department Aims:

• To ensure each child reaches their full potential through a personalised learning approach.
• To develop positive relationships with adults and peers.
• To create enabling and communication friendly environments that are enticing and exciting for pupils to learn in.
• To become as independent as possible building on this for the future.

Curriculum

Learning Breadth:

• Personal, Emotional and Social Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Mathematics
• Literacy
• Understanding of the World
• Expressive Arts and Design
• Forest school

Curriculum Overview for Foundation for Life Pupils

Play Based Learning and Continuous Provision:

Within Foundations for Life our curriculum covers three prime areas and 4 specific areas. All areas are taught together through play-based learning. Classes are set up offering a mix of continuous provision and adult led learning. We follow topics each half term and follow the child’s lead as we move forward with the topic. Within our play we learn through role play, small world play, music, art, dance and drama.

Communication Focus:

Communication is a huge focus in Foundations for Life. Our environments are communication friendly and we use Makaton, PECs, Intensive Interaction and Aided Language Display boards (ALDs). We work jointly with families in this area too.

Forest School:

Forest School is our outdoor classroom. It mirrors work we are doing within the class and allows the children to lead learning in this area. Communication and independent skills are greatly supported in forest school with children experiencing climbing, hammering, building, pouring and engaging with nature.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

At Welcombe Hills we learn about and celebrate our similarities and differences in all walks of life. We explore through sensory, role play, songs and stories.

Interventions and Therapies

At Welcombe Hills we believe in a holistic and pupil centred approach to learning and offer a range of therapies and interventions. Interventions and therapies are allocated through a referral process. When a referral is made these are analysed and then an intervention is decided. Unfortunately, not all students will necessarily access a therapy or intervention.

Therapies we currently offer are;

• Play Therapy

• Music Therapy

• Sensory Occupational Therapy

• Drumming Therapy

• Art Therapy

• Lifespace

Careers Curriculum

At Welcombe Hills a key focus of our curriculum offer

is to prepare students for their next steps in life.

The Day to Day

Timings:

The school day starts: 8.55am

Lunch time: 12pm-1pm

The school day ends: 3.20pm

Lunch arrangements:

School dinners cost:  £ 2.85 per day (Universal Free Meals for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

Own lunch option: Packed Lunch Box

What do I need each day?

What to Wear

School Uniform:

• Jade Green sweater or cardigan with (or without) school logo
• Grey or black trousers or skirt (grey/navy blue/ black joggers for children who struggle with fasteners)
• White or navy blue shirt/blouse/polo shirt
• Blue and white checked summer dress
• Sensible black shoes

 PE Kit:

• Black or navy blue shorts or tracksuit bottoms 
• White or navy blue t shirt 
• Plimsolls (for indoor use) or trainers 
• Spare pair of socks 

Swimming / hydrotherapy 

• Swimming costume or trunks 
• Towel 

Forest school

• Waterproofs (waterproof overalls can be provided) 
• Wellies or walking boots 
• Warm clothes including thick socks, hat, gloves etc. for the colder months
• Sun hat for warmer months