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.