Sapphire

Welcome to Sapphire class!

Our teaching team consists of:

Jess, Debbie, Heidi and Leisha. We also always have a nurse with us, to look after one of our pupil's health and medical needs.

Sapphire class has 5 KS2 and KS3 pupils, each with a range of complex needs. This class follows a specialised curriculum called IMPACTS which focuses on six key skill areas. These are: Communication, Cognitive Skills, Physical Skills (Gross and Fine Motor), Environmental Control Technology, Social and Emotional Well Being and Engagement, to ensure that all pupils needs are met. These six key skill areas are broken down into smaller, smarter objectives and targets which the pupils focus on. In IMPACTS, we value and recognise the importance of ‘learning via ongoing routes’; that is to say that learning continuously happens throughout the day, such as during personal care times and feeding regimes, not just during ‘lesson time’.

Communication
In Sapphire class, we offer a total communication approach to learning. This means that signing, symbols, on-body signing, auditory scanning, eye pointing, object cues, sensory cues, objects of reference and songs of reference will be used as part of our daily routine. As a team, we recognise there is a time to be loud(er) and a time to be quiet(er). During target time (and other times when appropriate), we create a quiet, calm learning environment so our pupils, who have a range of sensory impairments, can work in an environment with minimal distractions. Pupils in this class take extra time to filter and interpret the information they receive through their senses and life skills; this is always respected.

Environment
We have a few different areas within our classroom to allow for maximum learning opportunities, such as Eye Gaze a floor area and a dark den. By having these areas, our pupils are able to work on their personalised targets in an environment that supports their senses and develops their skills in all areas of learning. We also learn through many group activities, such as TACPAC, Sensology, Musical Bumps, Dance Massage and Drama Games.

Collaboration
As a team, we work very closely with other agencies such as the Specialist Teaching Service for Visual and Hearing Impairment, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapists as well as medical professionals. All targets and interventions are fully integrated into our daily routines whilst in school.