A Message from the Designated Provision Manager

My name is Emma Stringer and I have the amazing job of managing the two Designated Provisions we have here at Bewsey Lodge. I teach in the KS2 provision, which I set up and opened in September 2012 and oversee the two provisions. I work closely with the Head Teacher and the SENCO in order to provide the best provision for all our children.

In my role I have the privilege of meeting children of all different ages and with a range of difficulties. I also get to meet many parents and families, which is another lovely aspect of my job. I feel it is very important that we have good relationships with families, as working together is the best way of supporting a child. If you have any questions or would like to come and have a chat please don't hesitate to contact me.

Everything you need to know about the Designated Provisions

Who do we cater for?All the children in DP1 and DP2 have an Educational Health Care Plan.

KS 1 Designated ProvisionThe Key Stage 1 provision is one of Warrington’s six provisions for children aged 4 – 7. There are eight places in the provision for children who have learning and cognition difficulties as their main presenting need. 

KS 2 Designated ProvisionThe Key Stage 2 provision is one of Warrington’s three provisions who cater for children whose main presenting difficulties are with learning and cognition. There are ten places in the provision.

Both classrooms are situated in the main building of the school, which has recently undergone a fantastic rebuild. The children have access to their own outside area and newly furbished and resourced classroom. They are able to make full use of the new IPADS, interactive apple TV and interactive board.

The children are integrated into school life during assemblies, lunch and break times. They take part in school events such as walk to school week, Harvest, Christmas productions and much more. Reception children will spend time in the mainstream reception area with DP1 staff and follow the EYFS curriculum.

Transport

The local authority provides escorted transport to and from school for children who live a certain distance away. This has to be applied for to the transport department at the local authority.

The Curriculum The curriculum in DP1 and DP2 is based around the school’s creative curriculum, very much tailored to the children’s individual needs. We learn about topics like Dinosaurs, The Seaside and World War 2, all linked into our science, history, geography and literacy programmes. Activities are very practical, visual and language rich to ensure our children are able to access them at different levels. All children are assessed using the system of B Squared, which enables more progress to be shown. Some children are also assessed more formally where appropriate and progress is reported termly to parents. The whole school has recently started using a new phonics scheme called Read Write Inc with very pleasing results.

Pastoral Care There is a large emphasis on social skills, teamwork and relationship building. This is done by using set programmes where needed but every opportunity is taken during the school day to develop these skills. We share snack times together, regular circle and board game sessions to develop turn taking, communication and sharing skills. The staff model through positive language and reinforcement the high standard of behaviour we expect within the classroom and towards each other.

Intervention Strategies we use

In both designated provisions the staff are specially trained to deliver a variety of interventions and teaching strategies. We also work under the guidance of other professionals such as speech and language and physiotherapy to support children. Examples of interventions are:

Speech and language; Makaton signing; Smart Moves delivered in PE to support physical

development; TEAM TEACH – Individual behaviour management

and support; Social stories – to help children understand social

situations;

Individual Education PlansEvery child will have an Individual Education/Behaviour Plan. This will be written to support the child on a day to day basis based on the child’s EHC plan to support social, communication and educational needs. These plans will be reviewed termly and are shared with both parents/carers and children. The children will be given termly targets based on these. When deemed necessary pupils also have Care Plans and Positive Handling Plans. These are also reviewed at regular intervals and shared with parents/carers.

Additional medical and other needs.If your child has medical needs or other needs for example toileting or eating issues, we will develop strategies, which are included in their care plan, to help you child manage their day with us. This might involve a special diet or support with toileting. All children have access to their own toilets within the provision.

Communication

We have an open door policy so if you wish to see us for any reason after school then staff will be available. For those children going home on transport we have a home school book to enable regular communication between school and home. This is very important, as home school relationships are essential in helping children to progress and develop.

TransitionWe know that the transition from your child’s current placement to their new one can be a worrying time. We therefore endeavor to manage it in a careful, well thought out way. We make visits to see your child in their current setting. We also invite you and your child into school.