Enhanced Learning Provision within the Primary Phase
ELP – The Orchard
The ELP (Enhanced Learning Provision*) at Oasis Academy Shirley Park Primary offers 14 places across KS1 and KS2.
*Enhanced Learning Provision - a specialist provision in a mainstream school for pupils with a significant level of special needs. Admission is through Croydon Council’s SEN team. The ELP has been designated by the local authority as a provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties (MLD).
‘The Orchard’ Enhanced Learning Provision is made up of Willow Class (EYFS/KS1/lower KS2) and Sycamore Class (upper KS2). Each pupil belongs to one of these classes dependent on their age or ability. The classes work closely together so that the specific needs of individual pupils can be met. The Orchard is supported by our team of experienced SEND teachers and SEND teaching assistants. Children within these classes are placed and funded by the local authority.
The school has also introduced a further group into The Orchard, which is known as Olive Group. This is a group of pupils who the school has identified as having difficulties with social communication and/or learning. This is accessed as a short-term provision to deliver targeted support.
The Orchard learning environment is based at the Middle School site and is set up across three classrooms and an outside learning area.
The Orchard follows a broad and balanced creative curriculum, with an emphasis on developing the pupil’s life skills and independence. The curriculum is personalised to the special educational needs of our pupils. The teaching staff plan and offer a wealth of provision for the pupils (supported by the EP, Speech and Language team and other external services). The school also has access to a Pupil & Family Support Worker, to support specific wider needs for the families.
In the morning lessons, learning tends to focus on literacy and maths. In the afternoons, there is a topic focus across The Orchard and opportunities to support S&L/OT/EHCP targets. The pupils also access additional learning such as gardening, cooking, free flow play and swimming. There are also opportunities for the pupils, where relevant, to join mainstream classes to access other aspects of the school day e.g. PE sessions, science lessons, music lessons, theme days, assemblies etc.
To be considered for a place in the ELP, all children will need an Education Health Care Plan. The EHCP caseworker will send this document to the school as part of the consultation process to identify if there are spaces and if so, if needs can be met within this setting.
Throughout the year, the SENCO runs regular open mornings to enable parents to visit the ELP, enabling them to ask questions and find out more about our provision. Please call the office on 0208 656 0222 to arrange a visit.
Willow Class
Most pupils attend Willow Class for the whole day. During the day, the pupils are given the opportunity to learn through play, develop their listening and social skills and to develop their maths and literacy. The morning is broken down into learning challenges (linked to phonics, literacy and maths) and play. The pupils have a mixture of 1:1 teaching and small group work. A visual timetable, visuals and some Makaton signing is used to aid language, instructions and understanding. In the afternoon, there is a focus on target time (S&L, OT, EHCP) and learning around a theme/topic.
Sycamore Class
Most pupils attend Sycamore Class for the whole day. The focus for morning learning is usually literacy, maths, phonics, reading, speaking and listening and social skills. The afternoon learning is topic-based activities. The work is highly differentiated and whilst pupils are encouraged to work independently, there is always support where needed. All pupils have the use of visuals, a multi-sensory approach to learning, 1:1 and small group teaching to support instructions, language and learning. We have established routines, as part of the ELP, which cover; greeting time, social skills and learning time. Some pupils are also given the opportunity to join in lessons with their mainstream year group when appropriate. For example, they may join in with PE, art, science, additional activities with visitors.