Welcome to Blue Class

In Blue Class we cater for pupils in the age range EYFS / Year 1.  We take a nurturing and holistic approach to meet the needs of the children in Blue Class and have a high staff ratio to enable us to do this.  Our routine is structured to allow for a child-focused/adult-supported approach to our activities.  We encourage independence and communication skills throughout the school day.  We use sensory activities to enhance and support learning and promote positive behaviours. Our sessions are practical and take part in and out of the classroom environment.  We support the children in their learning experience to help reach their own special and unique potential.  We hope your child will feel safe and happy during their time in Blue Class.

        

We follow the principles of the EYFS curriculum. The three main areas:

Communication and Language

This is embedded into all learning areas.  We offer a rich and stimulating environment to promote confidence, communication and listening skills.  The children are taught to use the early phases in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).  PECS is used in the classroom and throughout school.  Intensive interaction is taught to develop early social and emotional skills.  Makaton is also used as a whole school approach to communication.

Physical Development

The children are given opportunities to develop their fine motor and gross motor skills inside and outside the classroom using small and large PE equipment.  Swimming and visits to Wightwick soft play are timetabled weekly.  Our school also takes part in the daily mile challenge.

Personal Social and Emotional Development

The children are supported to develop a positive self-image and are encouraged to form positive relationships with others.  They are given opportunities to develop self-help skills in dressing, feeding and toileting; and also opportunities to learn and to help to manage their behaviour and feelings in a variety of situations.

The other four areas are:

Literacy

• Books, mark making, writing patterns and letters.
• Phonics.
• Support reading and writing skills.
• Library books are changed on Friday. Reading skills following a range of reading pathways.

Mathematics

• Foundations of numeracy skills.
• Counting skills, understanding number, adding and subtracting in play.
• Concept language to name and describe shapes, spaces and measures.

Understanding the World

• Explore people, places and technology.
• Develop awareness of the natural and man-made world.

Expressive Arts and Design

• Explore and investigate a wide range of media and materials.  Includes music, role play and sensory activities to stimulate senses and imagination.

Additional Activities

To support the children’s physical, sensory, cognitive, social, emotional and communication development additional activities include music, cooking, nurture, soft play (at Wightwick) and community visits.  Forest School sessions are led by qualified leaders who understand the benefits of the natural environment.  They take place on site and out in the community e.g. Saltwells Nature Reserve.

British Values

At Cherry Trees School, we place emphasis on instilling and upholding British Values as an integral part of our educational ethos. These values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance for different faiths and beliefs, serve as the bedrock of our school community. We believe that by promoting these core principles, we not only prepare our students for active and responsible citizenship, but also foster a sense of social cohesion and understanding. Democracy is embedded in our school culture, encouraging students to voice their opinions and participate in decision-making processes. The rule of law is instilled through a sense of fairness and accountability, ensuring that all members of our community are treated justly. We celebrate individual liberty by encouraging personal and intellectual freedom, and we cultivate mutual respect and tolerance to create an environment where diversity is embraced. By embracing British Values, we strive to equip our students with the values and skills necessary for them to become well-rounded, respectful, and compassionate individuals who contribute positively to both our local community and the wider society.