Class Teacher: Adele

Teaching Assistants: Nicola, Leanne and Sophie

Midday Supervisor: Sarah K

Welcome to Shipley Class, where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We understand that every pupil learns differently, and we celebrate these differences by providing a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where everyone can thrive.

Our classroom is carefully organised using the TEACCH approach, creating clear routines, structured learning spaces, and personalised support that help pupils feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. We deliver a bespoke curriculum that is tailored to each child's individual strengths, interests, and needs, helping them develop confidence, independence, communication, and essential life skills.

Each morning begins with a welcoming class routine. Pupils enjoy singing and signing along to our "Good Morning" song, exploring the visual timetable, and checking in with the Zones of Regulation board. These daily activities help pupils understand their emotions, prepare for the day ahead, and establish a calm and positive start to learning.

Throughout the day, we include regular brain breaks, movement opportunities, and proprioceptive activities to support sensory regulation, concentration, and wellbeing. These purposeful activities help pupils remain engaged, focused, and ready to access their learning.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our outdoor learning programme provides exciting opportunities for pupils to explore, discover, and develop new skills in meaningful real-life contexts. Forest School sessions, led by our trained Forest School practitioner, encourage curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and a love of the natural world. Outdoor science activities also provide practical, hands-on experiences that bring learning to life.

Throughout the 2026–2027 academic year, pupils will explore a range of exciting and engaging topics that promote curiosity, creativity, communication, and independence. Our curriculum is designed to provide rich, meaningful experiences that help every child develop academically, socially, and emotionally while preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

We look forward to sharing your child's achievements throughout the year. Together, we will create a happy, supportive, and inspiring learning journey for every member of Shipley Class.

Our topics for the year are:

• Autumn 1 – Blast off (DT Focus)
• Autumn 2 – I need a hero (PE Focus)
• Spring 1 –   Messey mixtures (Geography Focus)
• Spring 2 –  In the garden (Science Focus)
• Summer 1 –  A pirate life (Geography Focus)
• Summer 2 –  On the coast (Geography Focus)

Beyond Bennerley: Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Shipley Class, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Through our Beyond Bennerley sessions, pupils have the opportunity to take their learning out into the wider community. Regular visits to parks, shops, cafés, libraries, and other local places help pupils develop essential life skills, build independence, and grow in confidence in real-life situations. These experiences provide meaningful opportunities to practise communication, road safety, money skills, and social interaction while becoming active members of their community.

Alongside our community visits, we place a strong emphasis on developing independence within school. Pupils take part in practical, hands-on activities such as cooking, shopping, gardening, cleaning, and caring for their learning environment. These everyday experiences help develop confidence, responsibility, problem-solving skills, and preparation for adult life, while encouraging pupils to become as independent as possible in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment.

Important Information

Community visits will take place regularly and we will let you know when there are.

Forest School – Spring 1 -Tuesday afternoon. We will let you know about kit for this separately.

PE- Tuesday morning, and PE kit will be required.

We will send you updates about your child throughout the week using our class email. If you need to contact us, we check email before and after the school day. If you need to report anything urgent, please use the main school email address or phone the office.