Puffins
Welcome to the Puffins Class! 
Communication
In the Puffins we use a Total Communication approach – a combination of spoken word, sign, symbols, Communication books and relevant applications to aid their functional communication. Class staff follow guidelines and individual communication targets set by the Speech and Language Therapy Team. This is all in place to ensure that the children can make sense of the world around them.
Organisation
The children in Puffins access their learning through a variety of whole class, small group and 1:1 learning sessions. We use different areas of the classroom including our own outdoor area. In addition to this the class has access to learning areas around school including outdoor areas, the studio, soft play, the halls and the pool.
Learning Styles
The Puffins Class learn through a mixture of focussed adult directed activities and self-directed, child led learning through play.
The Puffins class access learning through a variety of tactile, auditory and visual learning styles and we plan activities with children’s learning preferences in mind. Sensory input and response is used to increase engagement across the curriculum. The curriculum is divided into four areas; Early English, Early Maths, Creative Development and Understanding the World.
Getting Ready For Learning
Throughout the school day we have regular movement and sensory breaks.
We use sensory breaks to enable our bodies to regulate and be ready to learn, this may include use of DMP equipment, outdoor space or access to sensory activities. Each child has a sensory box that includes items collected to appeal to their sensory needs and interest.
Key Days / Activities
Soft play (Monday morning), Bikes (Monday afternoon, PE (Tuesday morning), Studio (Tuesday morning), Swimming (Wednesday morning)
Please remember to send swimming kit on a Wednesday.
Please make sure your child has warm waterproof clothing as the weather becomes colder.
Staff
Teacher: Sarah Cornick
TAs: Nikki Cooke and Charlotte Taylor
Mid Day Leader: Elizabeth Lockett
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.