Mabel – our school dog
Arlesdene is very lucky to have a school dog, Mabel, a Cockapoo has been with us since she was 14 weeks old. She comes to school every day and spends most of her time in the Headteacher’s office. Mabel is very friendly and is at her happiest when she is with people. She loves children, especially when they come to visit her to bring her pictures or read her a story. Mabel sits in the garden at the end of the session to say goodbye to the parents and children. She enjoys playing in the garden while the children are at lunch, where she can run around playing with her ball. Mabel has a very close bond to all the staff and has a big impact on the well-being of staff and children.
Mabel is currently attending training school and has passed her puppy Foundation Course and is working towards her Bronze Kennel Club award.
Rainbow Group
Rainbow group is set up for children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, mainly children with communication and interaction needs who find the large nursery room overwhelming. Rainbow group consists of a maximum of 8 children at one time, with 4/5 staff. A visual timetable is followed, which allows the children to engage in activities which are suited their current level of development and attention span. Time is also dedicated to sensory play, music time and physical play. Children who attend Rainbow group also have access to the main nursery room and garden throughout their session.
If you wish to find out more about Rainbow Group, please arrange to speak to the school’s SENCo.
Sensory Room
We have a small sensory room situated in the main Nursery room. Children can access this independently when they need time away from the busy Nursery environment, or additionally time is timetabled for children with an adult 1:1 to help meet their sensory needs.
Nurture
A Nurture group is a small group which is run twice weekly to support children, boost their confidence, make new friends and develop social skills. Little Acorns is a fantastic opportunity for children to participate in a learning environment which consists of 6 children and 2 members of staff who are nurture trained. Children are assessed using The Boxhall Profile and set specific small targets to work on. Children are able to explore and learn from different resources and share their thoughts and feelings within the safety of the group.
If you have any questions, please arrange to speak to the Nurture staff.
Treetops time
‘Treetops’ is a quiet, additional room attached to the main Pre-school room. Pre-school children attend time in treetops room weekly in their key group with their key person. Initially children explore heuristic play activities, songs, dancing, and story sacks to help them become familiar with the routine. As the children progress through the year, adults introduce more focus lead activities such as turn taking games, chatter boxes and activities based around children’s current interests.
For children that require additional support in some areas of their learning 1:1 Treetops time is given to them, to help meet their individual needs. If you would like to know more, please speak to our Pre-school leader.
Breakfast Club
We offer a breakfast club for Pre-school and Nursery children. This starts at 8am and breakfast is provided for the children. The charge for this is £5.50.
If you are interested in accessing breakfast club, please call into the school office.
Wellcomm
Wellcomm is a speech and language toolkit which the school buys into. All children in Nursery are screened using the toolkit, screening comprises of a series of questions and activities which determine the child’s speech and language ability. The toolkit often identifies speech and language problems before they become more serious, staff are then able to carry out activities which can support children. If necessary, the SENCo will meet with you and suggest a referral to a Speech and Language therapist where your child can receive a more comprehensive assessment and then therapy if required.
Returning soon
Yoga & Cooking – more details to follow