Welcome to Chestnut

Teacher Shelley Hewitt
Photo of Shelley Hewitt

Chestnuts class is an informal Ks2-3 class made up of six learners.

We are working on meeting sensory needs and practising communication skills. We use a total communication approach in class.
We do a lot of Exploration in lessons and we follow the engagement model for assessment.

Chestnut Timetable Autumn 1 25

Curriculum Info for Parents: Autumn Term 1 25/26
Strand and ProfileProfiles in ClassIdeas for Home
Communication and Literacy Students will be working on their individual communication targets. Working towards their individualised EHCP/PLG targets. Students will be exploring the story “old hat” which is part of our Talk 4 writing curriculum. They will be taking part in the immersion stage of this story. Students will attend the library for 1:1 reading sessions. Read the story “Old Hat” Try on different hats Explore communication/ encourage gesture and body language as communication.
Mathematics and Problem SolvingStudents will be following the maths schema, this will encourage them to take part in problem solving activities and encourage use of fine motor skills. Practise connecting and stacking items. For example, connect toy trains, stacking and connecting building bricks.
Personal DevelopmentStudents will be working on feelings and group games with their peers. Exploration of sensory trays linked to individual interests. Encourage your child to play with sensory items of their choice. Encourage them to join in games with others.
Physical DevelopmentStudents will be taking part in PE in the hall linked to dance and body movement. They will be having regular visits to the sensory enrichment room and ball pool. They also will take part in morning sensory circuits. Encourage throwing games. Throwing a ball at a target. Dance with your child to different music, encourage them to use body movement.
Understanding the World Exploring the five senses work. Exploring a range of activities using their five senses. Encourage your child to explore using taste, touch, sight, smell, and listening.
Expression and CreativityCreating art by exploring different textures. Creating your own choice of collages linked to the topic. Creating hats linked to our English T4W Story. Encourage your child to explore different textiles and create different pictures using different textiles.
Personalised LearningStudents will follow their own Targets linked to their individual needs/EHCP outcomes. They will be taking part in sensory enrichment sessions/Therapies/Therapeutic play/Exploration. Try to incorporate your child’s PLGS into daily life. Encourage exploration of different toys and interests.