In the Sensory Department pupils are taught in a specialist environment designed to meet a range of sensory, medical and physical needs. They have access to 1:1 programmes developed through consultation with a multi-disciplinary team. Teaching and learning opportunities encourage participation and engagement, focusing on the development of communication, cognitive and sensory skills. We use a range of sensory specific programmes including Sensology, Body Awareness and Tac Pac. Our aim is to have pupils who are happy, content and enabled to engage in a range of learning experiences.

Rationale Sensory Department

Hill Croft School is made up of 6 individual departments. Each department is designed to meet the needs of specific groups of pupils in a way that is relevant, appropriate and empowers them to reach their full potential.

In the Sensory Department:

We believe

• Pupils should be taught in a specialist environment designed to meet a range of sensory, medical and physical needs
• Pupils should access 1:1 programmes designed through consultation with a multi-disciplinary team

This is how we teach and learn

• A sensory based curriculum, focusing on communication, cognitive and sensory skills
• Teaching considers the complex interaction between sensory impairments, motor disabilities, medical conditions and cognitive processing difficulties the pupil may experience
• Use of a range of sensory specific programmes, such as Sensology and Tac Pac
• Fun and exciting teaching and learning opportunities that encourage anticipation and engagement
• Close links between school and therapy staff and outside agencies to ensure the needs of the whole child are met
• Repetition and reinforcement of activities and skills
• Planning includes time for medical and care requirements
• Pupils must feel safe and be positioned comfortably
• Pupils given time to process and respond
• Learning takes place at the pupils own pace using small steps
• Learning takes place in different social environments

As a result, we have pupils who

• Are happy, content and enabled to engage in learning experiences
• Can make sense of their surroundings
• Can communicate their needs and preferences in an appropriate way that can be recognised by others
• Can use their senses to actively explore and respond to their environment

This rationale has been devised in conjunction with all department staff, parents and, where appropriate pupils.