At Piper’s Vale Primary we have three Specialist Education Units (SEU).

Our first SEU is for pupils in EYFS/Key Stage 1 and caters for up to 12 pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD).

Our second SEU caters for 6 pupils in EYFS/Key Stage 1 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD).

Our third SEU which caters for 6 pupils in Key Stage 2 also with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD).

Each provision follows the mainstream curriculum adapted to meet the needs of the pupils and pace of learning. The curriculum is divided further into bespoke learning areas to meet individual pupils’ developmental needs.  We use the ‘Assess, Plan, Do, Review’ graduated approach to meeting pupil’s needs as a continuous cycle.

To attend one of our SEUs a pupil will need to be referred to us through the Local Authority via the annual review process, organised by your current educational setting. This would also include going through the process of obtaining an EHCP  if one is not already in place. For any families wanting to find out more, please contact our school office and ask to speak to our SEU Manager/ SENCo.

EYFS/KS1 Moderate Learning Difficulty Specialist Education Unit (SEU)

We have up to 12 pupil places for this provision.

They follow the mainstream curriculum with adaptations to cater for their needs through bespoke planning. The provision has a large self-contained outside space which is used for continuous provision, social skill development and to support their sensory needs.

Curriculum:

In our MLD specialist unit, we have 30 minute cycles of learning, with continuous provision built into the school day. We have bespoke planning that incorporates instructional teaching in the form of practical demonstrations, use of visual aids and appropriate economy of language. The pupils will have sessions of attention autism (bucket time), intensive interaction, tac pac, sensory circuits and participate in activities around zones of regulation daily. Pupils also have the opportunity to attend some mainstream lessons based on individual needs. We also use colourful semantics to enhance speech and language for pupils who are in the early stages of developing verbal communication.

EYFS/KS1 Severe Learning Difficulty Specialist Education Unit (SEU)

We have up to 6 pupil places for this provision.

We follow the mainstream EYFS curriculum and adapt it to suit the individual needs of each of our pupils. We also provide a bespoke programme of learning to support them in meeting their individual outcomes outlined in their EHCP. The provision has a large self-contained outside space which is used for continuous provision, social skill development and to support their sensory needs.

Curriculum:

The curriculum is delivered in small steps of learning which matches a pupils ability to focus. We use Widgit Symbols to support communication, language and learning alongside colourful semantics to expand word vocabulary, learning new words and sentence structure. Alongside these we also follow the whole school phonics programme to support letter sounds and early development of reading.

Planning is bespoke to individual learners and will incorporate sensory activities to support their processing needs. Early communication is incredibly important to engage attention and anticipation, this is taught through live music and singing sessions. We incorporate intensive interaction, object exchange and makaton alongside sensory activities during continuous provision sessions outdoors.

KS2 Severe Learning Difficulty Specialist Education Unit (SEU)

We have up to 6 pupil places for this provision.

We follow the mainstream curriculum and create a bespoke curriculum to suit the individual needs of each of our pupils, especially those following a sensory diet. We offer a broad, balanced and aspirational curriculum delivered via Quality First Teaching for all. The provision has access to a self-contained outside area to support their learning.

Curriculum:

In our KS2 SLD provision, we have 15 minute cycles of learning, with continuous provision included throughout the day. We have a bespoke curriculum delivery that incorporates instructional teaching in the form of practical demonstrations, use of visual aids and a plethora of communication aids. Pupils have access to Attention Autism (bucket time), intensive interaction, sensory circuits and participate in activities around zones of regulation daily depending on their individual needs.

No single form of communication is valued above others and the aim is for individuals with communication difficulties to communicate in whichever way, or combination of ways, works for them. We use songs and melody to enhance teaching and learning, which may include using eye contact, making noises and drawing focus into activities and times throughout the day.