Class Teacher: Amy

Teaching Assistants: Ameliyah, Abi J and Imogen

Midday Supervisor: Bec

Dovedale is one of our Primary Stage 1 classes. This year, we have a class of six students aged between four and eight years old.

The students access most of their learning within their own classroom, which has an adjoining sensory room and a light room. Our continuous provision enables pupils to learn through play while developing their play skills. Adult-led activities are carried out either on a one-to-one basis or in small groups within a separate work area. Daily opportunities for outdoor learning are also encouraged, including Forest School sessions and learning in our own outdoor areas.

We promote and encourage independence in all aspects of school life, supporting each pupil to develop confidence, make choices, and achieve their individual potential. We are committed to a Total Communication approach and work closely with our school's Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT) to support and develop every pupil's communication skills. Throughout the day, we use a range of communication strategies, including signs, symbols, visual supports, and communication aids, ensuring that every pupil has a meaningful way to express themselves and understand others.

Each school day begins with an interactive 'Hello' session, where we share the timetable, welcome everyone to the class, and identify our feelings, helping to create a positive and predictable start to the day. A creative and multi-sensory approach to learning is embedded across the curriculum, ensuring activities are engaging, accessible, and tailored to meet the individual needs of every pupil.

By providing a fun, safe, nurturing, and engaging environment, the students in Dovedale are supported to become confident, independent learners who enjoy coming to school, develop positive relationships, and celebrate their achievements every day.

Important information

Home/school diaries – Dovedale pupils will be provided with home/school diaries to share information between home and school, helping us celebrate achievements, communicate important updates, and ensure consistency in supporting your child.

Outdoor learning – We access outdoor learning in all weathers throughout the school year including Forest School sessions. Please can you provide: Waterproof puddle suit OR waterproof trousers and coat and wellies to be kept in school

Sensory showers – Dovedale have weekly sensory showers to promote communication and self-regulation. Please can you provide a drawstring bag containing swimming costume/shorts and a towel to remain in school.

Autumn 1 2026

Dovedale have settled into school and the class routine really well. We are able to sit with our peers and take part in our class 'Hello Time' where we find our picture to sign in for the day and work on our feelings. We love to sit and share stories with the Teaching staff in our classroom, this is helping us create positive relationships.

This half term our topic has been 'Autumn Leaves' where we have enjoyed learning about the changes in weather though 'Bucket time' sessions, explored the Forest School area to notice the changing leaves and enjoyed using our senses to explore autumn sensory tuff trays. 

In Maths we have had a great focus on numbers and counting. We have been highly engaged in the cause-and-effect lessons where we have counted the splashes when dropping balls into water and counting balls and cars down ramps. Towards the end of term we have begun to order numbers from 1-5.