Leeds 

Module 4

Students celebrated Red Nose Day by making funny faces and getting creative with decorations. They decorated and iced red biscuits using sprinkles, edible eyes, and a variety of colourful icing.

For another activity, they used paper plates to design silly faces. A fun sensory element was added by using a balloon dipped in paint, which they rolled over the plates to create interesting textures and patterns. They then finished their creations by sticking on googly eyes.

Leeds class took part in an art activity to create Mother’s Day cards. Students were exploring a range of textured materials such as cellophane, foil, and coloured card, encouraging exploration through touch and visual engagement. They were supported to make choices, selecting materials they preferred and responding to different sensory stimuli. The activity promoted creativity and choice-making, while also supporting communication as students indicated preferences through gestures, eye gaze, or vocalisations. students were working on their fine motor skills by picking up, grasping, and placing pieces of material onto their cards. Some learners used hand-over-hand support to place the materials, while others independently pressed and stuck materials.  

Our PMLD students brought the classic tale of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to life this World Book Day through a vibrant, multi-sensory journey.  Enjoying a traditional reading for a fully immersive experience, the students "traveled" through long wavy grass, thick oozy mud, and a swirling snowstorm, using a variety of tactile stimuli to represent each landscape. From the cold mist of rain to the dark, quiet suspense of the bear’s cave, every element of the story was felt rather than just heard. A particularly moving highlight of the day occurred during a specialized sensory massage tailored to the story’s rhythm; one student, while listening to the narration, responded with continuous laughter and radiant engagement, clearly finding immense joy in the physical and auditory connection to the book.

Today, we took our learning out into the community! We visited the local supermarket to practice our life skills and explore a world of new sensations. We chose what to buy and then practiced putting the items in the basket, loading it onto the conveyor belt , waiting in the queue and paying for our shopping.

Module 3

Our students practiced their fine motor skills while creating their own Valentine’s cards using palmer grip and pinch grip. They explored the different materials and made their own choices, supporting independence and self-expression. 

This week our students explored a range of stimuli which includes different cereals, foam and sensory pounches. We are encouraging our students to explore out by using their hands and feet. Each week we introduce different texture stimuli. 

This week, students engaged in their Life Skills challenges by practicing communication through technology. They used Big Mack switches to greet one another with “good morning” and “hello.” Each student was supported individually, using physical and/or verbal prompts to help them successfully communicate.

This week, students took part in therapy sessions as part of their physical skills targets and ASDAN modules. All students completed simple stretching activities, moving their arms and legs where possible in the water. A range of equipment was used to support individual needs. These sessions are a favourite for many of our young people and play an important role in enhancing wellbeing.

Sensory exploration is taught through a variety of lessons across the week, including Tac Pac, Sensology, and Food Technology. Students work together in small groups, using a wide range of stimuli to support engagement and learning. As you can see, all students were happily engaged throughout the session.

This week, three students worked on developing their independence skills. They followed a visual schedule to prepare a simple snack for the group. Toast was the favourite this week, with a variety of spreads chosen. The students practised their fine motor skills and communication and reading skills, and demonstrated a high level of understanding while completing the tasks.

Students visited the school library, where they chose books to take home as part of their homework. During the visit, a variety of books were read to them, and their facial expressions showed that the experience was enjoyed by all.

Module 2

Our PMLD students celebrated Remembrance day through a range of sensory and creative activities. They made red rice crispy cakes , developing their fine motor skills exploring different textures and smells. The students also enjoyed exploring paint and creating beautiful handprint poppies, engaging with a variety of  colours and sensations. It was a wonderful sensory way to honour Remembrance Day together.

This week we celebrated Children in Need and took part in a range of activities in class to support this wonderful cause. We made Pudsey biscuits, each one unique in its own way. Our students used their fine motor skills as they practised pouring and mixing with support, then spread the scented lemon icing over their biscuits. Some explored even further by using their fingers to taste the icing instead of finishing their biscuits!

They had a lovely time watching previous Children in Need videos and listening to music as they worked together. It was a joyful and engaging experience for everyone.

Our students went out into the community to purchase resources for our team enterprise sale. Before the visit, we discussed what we needed to buy, and many students enjoyed taking an active role in the whole process—choosing items, placing them in the basket, and paying for the goods at the checkout.

For some students, the highlight of the trip was the sensory experience of learning outdoors in a different environment. They listened to the variety of sounds in the shops, explored new surroundings, and engaged with the wide range of items they encountered. The visit provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities, supporting both practical life skills and sensory exploration.

This week we were very lucky to be able to run the Castle Café. All of our students went to the school canteen to help create our café space. We sold cupcakes, sausage rolls, cheese and bacon turnovers, and a huge Victoria sponge cake that had been made by all of the classes in the Castle building.

Some of our students were able to follow instructions with visual supports as part of their ASDAN work. Others enjoyed being part of the class team and working in a different environment, meeting staff and students from other classes. Everyone was very happy and proud to sell our items as part of the team enterprise project.

Well done to Leeds Class and to everyone who helped make the food and purchased it. 

Our PMLD students thoroughly enjoyed spending time together with all of the other PMLD classes in our school. They were delighted by a special visit from Minnie Mouse and the big man himself, Santa. There were lots of engaging sensory activities to explore, including many tuff trays filled with light-up toys and a magical igloo. Every student received a gift and experienced a truly magical morning. We were honoured to welcome so many parents who came along to interact with their young people. It was a really lovely event.

During the final week of term, we made lots of Christmas goodies to take home and share with our parents, showing them what we have been creating at school. We used our senses to smell a variety of ingredients and developed our fine motor skills by using switches, the mixer, spoons, and by helping to hold the bowls. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the cooking sessions.

Module 1

This week, the students explored the theme "All About Me", focusing on learning more about themselves and the people around them. They engaged in a variety of activities that encouraged self-awareness, social connection, and confidence-building. 

As part of our special events this week, we celebrated Roald Dahl Week with a focus on the magical story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.The students had a wonderful time:Listening to and exploring the story through interactive reading sessions
Using a range of stimuli and props to bring the story to life.Dressing up with wigs and costumes to become characters from the book. The week sparked creativity, curiosity, and lots of laughter!

This week, we have been celebrating National Inclusion Week! Our students have explored a variety of stories from around the world, learning about and celebrating different cultures.

In addition to broadening their understanding of global communities, the children have been developing their social and teamwork skills by working with both familiar and unfamiliar staff members across a range of settings. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the power of working together as one whole class community.

This week we are proudly celebrating international signing week by embracing and exploring a range of signing methods to support communication and inclusion.

Each day we start and finish our lessons using daily signs  incorporating body cues to support our visually and hearing-impaired students. These cues not only enhance  understanding but also help build a strong accessible routine for all learners. 

As part of our therapy lessons, we also engage in signing through music we explore a selection of popular songs, musicals and videos, using body signing and movement to bring the lyrics to life. This multi-sensory approach supports communication expression and connection- all while having fun!!!

It's a joyful and meaningful week, and we are proud to be promoting inclusivity and the power of non verbal communication in everything we do.

Students expressed their creativity by independently choosing coloured cellophane to create beautiful leaf sun catchers. They also practised a variety of skills while working together to make a delicious seasonal soup. 

Our students have been working on their ASDAN units this week, specifically focusing on the skill of following instructions. They practiced interpreting and acting on verbal, photographic, and symbolized directions to complete a variety of functional tasks.

A highlight of the week was preparing homemade soup for our Harvest lunch. Students carefully followed step-by-step instructions to wash, chop, and cook the ingredients, demonstrating both independence and teamwork. This hands-on activity not only supported their ASDAN learning goals but also helped them contribute meaningfully to our school community celebration.

Well done to all students for their hard work and enthusiasm!

Exploring Through Our Senses

This week, students had the opportunity to engage with their senses in a range of stimulating environments. We made the most of our different  working areas, encouraging students to observe, listen, and explore the world around them using sight, sound, and touch.

We also visited the interactive sensory room, where students explored fibre optics, light-up objects, and a dedicated UV light area. Here, they were able to investigate how different materials look and behave under various lighting effects, sparking curiosity and encouraging sensory exploration.

These activities support both sensory development and engagement, helping students to build confidence and awareness through meaningful, hands-on experiences.