Finders

Our EYFS and year 1 & 2 pupils that first join us are called “Finders” because this is when we find out about the child, and when they and their families find out about us. Our Finders class has children in it who may later be placed on any of our curriculum experiences.

How we learn

We are an active bunch of Reception and year 1 and 2 children who love to be physical and explore our environment with our senses. The Finder curriculum experience is more commonly known as a ’EYFS curriculum’ for children with generic learning difficulties.  We follow a play-based curriculum with sensory stories as the driving force behind all of our learning opportunities.

Finders children learn through sensory experiences and play. Staff spend time observing each child to see what motivates and engages them so that future experiences can be planned which the children will find exciting! Depending on individual needs, important aspects of our day in Finders are -

Play 

This is how our children learn. Many of our children need support to help them explore the possibilities of equipment so staff play with and alongside children to help them develop their skills. Play will be a mixture of child and adult initiated.

Sensory Lifestyles 

Many of our children display sensory seeking behaviours therefore sensory lifestyle plans are out in place to develop regulation skills

Communication 

All of our children have difficulties with communication. In conjunction with our Speech and Language Therapist different approaches are used which may include, objects of reference, use of photographs / symbols, PECS, AAC, intensive interaction, Makaton, developing joint attention skills etc. The whole school follows a Total Communication Approach.

Development of independence and self-help skills 

Encouraging children to be as independent as they are able to is a central part of what we do. This may mean taking their coat or shoes off independently, washing hands, learning drink from a cup not a bottle, developing toileting skills and so on.