Apple Class

Apple Class - Photos

Apple Class - Virtual Tour

/i/video/Video_Apple_Class.mov

Welcome to Apple Class 

Alongside our mainstream provision, we have Apple Class, a complex needs unit which opened in September 2023. We currently have 10 children aged between 4 and 11 who have an EHCP. Pupils predominantly have ASD profiles with communication and interaction needs. The children are supported by a qualified teacher and a team of Learning Support Assistants. Whilst a bespoke academic curriculum is taught based on the stage that child is at, there is also a daily focus on helping pupils to develop their communication skills, social skills and emotional regulation. There is a focus on small steps of progress against EHCP targets and the Autism Education Trust framework is used to support this.

As part of their provision, the children receive daily support with speech and language, under the guidance of a speech and language therapist, support with the development of social skills and emotional regulation and understanding alongside academic interventions. A Total Communication approach is used. Visuals and objects of reference as well as clear routines and expectations are key in helping our children to access the provision and to be ready to learn.

If you would like any further information please contact the school office. Westlea cannot accept direct applications for places within the Complex Needs Unit – responsibility for placing and funding pupils lies with the Special Educational Needs Assessment Team (SENAT) at the Local Authority.

Transition Liaison

There are good transition procedures in place with pre-schools, between classes/key stages within school, to/from other schools and secondary schools. These transition procedures may include:

• extra induction
• visits by both pupil and staff to/from both settings
• information shared
• questions answered
• transition meetings held and attended
• a photo book for pupil to have prior to starting school/transferring

Staff from 3 different secondary schools have reported successful smooth transitions for SRP pupils; with 1 commenting that the transition document they received was the most detailed and informative they had ever had.

Contact:

Key Personnel

For SENCo related queries please contact senco@westlea.swindon.sch.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does Westlea know if children need extra help and what should I do if I think my child may have special educational needs?

Children may be identified as having SEND through a variety of ways including the following:

• liaison with preschool/previous school
• child performing below age expected levels
• concerns raised by parent
• through termly pupil progress meetings held between the class teachers/phase leaders/SENCo/SRPCo/Co-Headteachers
• concerns raised by teacher e.g. where behaviour or self-esteem is affecting performance
• liaison with outside agencies
• health diagnosis through paediatrician/doctor

At Westlea we regularly monitor all children’s progress and attainment against National and age related expectations. The class teachers continually assess each child and notes areas where they are improving and where further support is needed. As a school we track the children’s progress from entry through to Year 6, using a variety of different methods including age related programmes of study and the Foundation Stage Profiles. We will inform you if we have any concerns about your child.

If you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s education you will need to speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance. If you require more information contact our SENCO and SRPCo, Louise Edmonds; or our Headteacher, Sarah Sumner.

2. How will Westlea staff support my child?

All of our staff are well trained and have access to any further, more specialist training as required. The class teacher will oversee, plan and work with each child with SEND in their class to ensure that progress in every area is made. The class teacher and/or a teaching assistant (TA) may work with your child either individually or as part of a group to further support their learning. Our SENCo, SRPCo and all staff have access to further expertise through the team of professionals supporting the school. Within the Academy, and the wider community, there is further expertise for us to draw on.

3. How will the curriculum be matched to my child’s/young person’s needs?

All the work within the classroom is pitched at an appropriate level so that all children are able to access according to their specific needs. Typically this might mean that in a lesson there would be different levels of work set, with further individual differentiation where needed. The aim is to make sure that all children can access lessons and learn at their level.