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At Inglehurst Junior School, the Designated Specialist Provision, known as the 'Learning Zone,' is a valued and integral part of our community, supporting up to 18 children aged 7 to 11 with autism and social communication difficulties. In addition to the main teaching area, we offer further learning spaces such as the 'Sensory Zone' and the 'Learning Pod.' Here, children access bespoke learning opportunities, following the national curriculum, alongside continuous provision and targeted interventions tailored to their needs.


The vision and ethos of the Learning Zone is to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring they have the opportunity to participate in mainstream classes and whole-school activities, including trips with their mainstream peers. Our commitment to inclusion is a core strength of the school, and we strive to create an environment that embraces and celebrates diversity.

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Our Team

The staff in the Learning Zone are highly qualified and experienced in supporting children with autism, speech and language difficulties, and social communication challenges. At the heart of our philosophy is respect for each child and a deep understanding of their unique needs. Staff maintain high expectations for both themselves and the students, working collaboratively to provide tailored support. Each child’s individual characteristics, challenges, and talents shape how we deliver the best possible educational experience.


The DSP staff are caring, creative, calm, and flexible in their approach. We recognise the importance of reducing anxiety by addressing sensory needs, providing a structured environment, and fostering communication, self-advocacy, social interaction, and flexible thinking skills. Every child is seen as an individual, bringing their own interests, strengths, and challenges. The Learning Zone team shares their expertise, experience, and resources across the school, working in close partnership with the entire staff to ensure consistency and inclusivity.
 

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Our Curriculum

The Learning Zone curriculum is carefully designed to meet the specific needs of the children in our provision. It includes a highly differentiated program based on mainstream pathways, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Our focus is to deliver a meaningful and balanced curriculum while addressing the social, communication, and flexible thinking needs of our students, equipping them with essential life skills to reach their full potential now and in the future.

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The physical environment within the DSP, combined with the calm and structured approach of the staff, helps to reduce anxiety, enabling children to learn in a comfortable and supportive setting. However, it's important to note that the Learning Zone is part of a busy mainstream school, which all children access. Since children transition in and out of the Learning Zone throughout the day, we recognise that it may not be suitable for those with significant sensory needs.

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As part of our holistic approach, children have the opportunity to

participate in a variety of after-school clubs within the mainstream

setting, allowing them to explore new interests and build friendships.

 

Children in the Learning Zone have access to the full curriculum,

which includes a wide variety of differentiated lessons, such as:

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  • Literacy

  • Maths

  • Reading and Writing

  • Music

  • Spelling 

  • Phonics 

  • Geography

  • History

  • Computing

  • PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education)

  • Science

  • PE (Physical Education) 

  • Art and Design Technology (DT)

  • Cooking

 

In addition to the general curriculum, we offer specialized and

differentiated intervention groups throughout the week, run by our

trained and experienced Learning Zone staff. These include:

 

  • Fine/Gross Motor Skills Play Groups

  • Forest school

  • 'Let's Talk' Groups

  • Therapeutic Art and Music

  • Sensory Exploration and Play

  • Social Communication Sessions

  • Playground Games

  • Lego Therapy

  • Play therapy 

  • Sensory Cooking

  • Sensory Gardening

  • Everyday Essential Skills

  • Drawing with friends

  • Sensory circuits 

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Inclusion

Children from the Learning Zone regularly attend mainstream lessons with their peers when appropriate. Some are able to participate independently, while others require specialist support. Every child receives the appropriate level of assistance to ensure their success and progression toward integration into a mainstream environment. In addition, we often welcome mainstream children into the Learning Zone for lessons or interventions, either to support their own needs or to serve as positive role models.

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Home/School Communication

We maintain strong communication with families through a variety of channels. Information is shared daily via the SeeSaw platform, as well as through WEDUC, phone calls, and in-person meetings when necessary. Parents and carers are encouraged to be actively involved in all aspects of their child's education. Children with an EHCP will have annual reviews, during which individualized targets will be discussed with parents, carers, and professionals.

How to apply for a place in the Learning Zone

The Learning Zone is available to children with an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or those undergoing assessments for one, which highlights the need for support in autism, communication, and interaction. Admission decisions are not managed by Inglehurst Junior School; instead, applications are made through the Special Education Service (SES) admissions process, either at EHCP meetings or panel meetings.


For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact the school office

 

Transport

In certain circumstances, your child may be eligible for transport services. If additional information is needed, it will be provided in line with the Local Authority SEND transport guidelines.​

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Testimonials

The school’s ‘Learning Zone’ is highly effective. It is a calm and nurturing environment. Staff are relentless in ensuring that these pupils do well.

OFSTED report Nov 23


Thank you for everything you have done for my child. Your impact is lasting and we appreciate you greatly. 

Parent comment July 24


This school is brilliant – I love how much the Learning Zone is included in mainstream trips and events.

Parent comment March 24


I'd recommend anyone to take their child to this school if they have ASD. It’s the best thing I've ever done for Chimala

Parent comment

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