Puffins
Welcome to the Puffins Class! 
Communication
In the Puffins class we use a Total Communication approach to communication – using a combination of spoken word, sign, symbols, photographs and real objects. This is all in place to ensure that the children can make sense of the world around them whilst being provided with appropriate cues and prompts.
Organisation
The Puffins class is a structured environment which caters for lots of exploratory learning opportunities! We promote learning through creative and engaging sessions which allow the children to explore freely indoors and outdoors whilst the adults tailor the activities to support the children in meeting their needs and targets.
Learning Styles
Child-led learning where the children choose where they want to learn and explore due to what engages them most. Staff will then scaffold the chidren’s learning in the ost appropriate way.
Getting Ready For Learning
Correctly preparing for learning is essential. We tailor getting ready for learning opportunities depending on the child’s needs. Some children require use of the Developmental Movement Play equipment to support sensory regulation, whilst others may prefer a structured learning activity which requires focus and concentration. This preparation ensures that the children are ready to effectively learn for longer period of time.
Key Days / Activities
On Friday afternoons, the Puffins class will go swimming in the school’s hydro-therapy pool – please remember to send their swim kit.
As the Puffins will spend a lot of time outdoors, we ask that the children come to school prepared with a suitable coat and wellies if appropriate.
Staff
Teacher: Lauren Whitehead
TAs: Muna Inam and Pam Seers
Mid Day Leader: Heather Barnsley
Sign of the Week
At Kingfisher we use Signalong as a part of a Total Communication Approach, we are constantly using core vocabulary with the children to support their language development and then through each of our topics we introduce new signs and language, which extends their vocabulary further. We also have two “Signs of the Week” which helps maintain and extend key knowledge and skills of everyday vocabulary.
Each half term we will be creating a short video showcasing and demonstrating our ‘Signs of the Week’ for the current term so that you can learn the signs and further this learning at home.
To view this signs of the week for this topic please watch the video below
Lunchtime
If your child has a school dinner, the school menus can be accessed by clicking here. For children who bring a packed lunch, please remember to provide healthy and balanced options. We are a Healthy School and will be focussing on healthy eating and how children can make healthy lifestyle choices.