Embedded Files
Hello!
The Spring term absolutely flew by here at Ashwood.
The team have been super busy, and here's some of the highlights:
A new sensory quiet space
New sensory tools for learning
Fantastic phonice progress with our Little Wandle phonics scheme
We can't wait to see what Summer term brings!
Ms L Hartley
Rawmarsh Ashwood SENDCo
lhartley@ashwoodprimary.org
RAWMARSH ASHWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
RAWMARSH ASHWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
celebrating phonics success
celebrating phonics success
Since the Autumn term, Rawmarsh Ashwood has been using the Little Wandle phonics scheme to transform how our children learn to read. We are thrilled to share that we are seeing fantastic progress across the entire school!
🌟 Supporting Every Learner: The SEND Pathway
We know that every child’s reading journey is unique. For our pupils with additional needs, the Little Wandle SEND pathway has been a game-changer.
Small Steps, Big Wins: This pathway breaks learning down into manageable, "bite-sized" chunks.
Individualised Progress: It allows children to move at their own pace, building confidence through repetition and sensory-rich activities.
Tailored Support: Whether it’s using tactile letters or focused "keep-up" sessions, we ensure no child is left behind.
🏆 A Special Shout-Out: Miss Lapping
A huge thank you to our Phonics Lead, Miss Lapping, for her incredible dedication. Miss Lapping works tirelessly behind the scenes to:
Monitor Progress: Ensuring every child is on the right track.
Support the Team: Coaching the Ashwood staff to deliver high-quality, inclusive phonics.
Advocate for Pupils: Ensuring every child has the specific resources and adult support they need to succeed.
Geography & history review
Geography & history review
We recently conducted a deep-dive review into Geography and History across the school, and the results were truly inspiring. It was wonderful to see our "teaching sequences" in action, helping children build a solid "map" of knowledge year after year.
Key Highlights from the Review:
Adaptive Practice: We found excellent examples of teachers "adapting" lessons to meet the needs of all learners. Whether through visual scaffolds, sensory resources, or adjusted tasks, every child was supported to succeed.
Building Connections: It was impressive to see how well our pupils could link what they are learning now to what they discovered in previous year groups. This "spiralling" of knowledge is especially helpful for our SEND learners, as it reinforces memory and builds confidence.
First-Hand Experiences: From local walks to handling historical artifacts, "learning by doing" has made these subjects come alive.
🎤 Pupil Voice: What our children said
The most powerful part of the review was hearing from the children themselves. They shared:
A Love for Culture: Our pupils spoke passionately about enjoying learning about different cultures and how people live around the world.
Memorable Moments: They valued "first-hand experiences" that moved learning beyond the textbook.
Pride in Progress: Children could clearly explain how their current topic connected to their past learning, showing a real sense of mastery.
new sensory quiet space 🌿
new sensory quiet space 🌿
Our Eco Warriors have launched a new Sensory Quiet Space in the playground. This area is specifically designed as a "low-arousal" zone for pupils who find the noise and movement of breaktimes overwhelming.
Why it helps our learners:
Sensory Reset: Scented plants (like mint) and tactile grasses help children regulate their sensory systems.
Anxiety Reduction: Provides a safe "escape valve" for those who need to decompress away from high-energy games.
Improved Focus: A few minutes of quiet helps pupils transition back to the classroom ready to learn.
The "Garden Whisper" Rules: To keep this space inclusive and calm, we follow three simple steps:
Quiet voices (Garden Whispers).
Gentle hands with plants.
Keep it tidy for everyone.
Well done to our Eco Warriors for making our playground more accessible for all!
new tools for learning 🔧
new tools for learning 🔧
We are excited to announce that we have invested in a range of new sensory resources to support independent learning across the school. These tools are designed to help pupils regulate their sensory systems so they can stay focused and engaged in the classroom.
What’s New in Our Classrooms?
Wobble Cushions & Chair Bands: Providing "active sitting" for those who need movement to process information.
Fidget Tools: Helping to channel restless energy into quiet, tactile engagement.
Visual Timers: Building independence by making "time" visible, helping with transitions and task completion.
🤝 A Partnership: The Right Tool at the Right Time
To ensure these resources are effective, we work closely with pupils to find the "Right Fit."
The Golden Rule: A sensory tool is helpful if it helps the child focus without distracting them or their peers.
How you can help at home:
If your child uses a specific fidget or cushion, talking to them about it as a "learning tool" rather than a toy helps reinforce its purpose. We appreciate the support of parents and carers in helping our children understand when and how to use these resources most effectively
Ways to Support
Ways to Support
Here are some links and resources to help support children with SEND/SEMH.
Useful Links
The Worry Tree App- Worry Tree helps you to take control of your worries, transform your thoughts and feel better using CBT techniques and sensory practices.
Chill Panda - Something new I have found to support anxiety, worries, and calming strategies. May be a good one to support some of the children to develop strategies. Available on GooglePlay and AppStore.
Worry Monsters - these are recommended by psychologists and teachers to act as a 'waste bin' for fears, troubles and woes that children don't always talk about
who's who and what's what?
who's who and what's what?
Rotherham 0-19 Service - 01709 423333
Alex Gill - School Inclusion Team, part of Rotherham's Inclusion Support Services
Dr Lisa Nelson, Education Psychologist
With Me in Mind Rotherham - one of the nation Mental Health Support Teams based in Doncaster & Rotherham
Rachael Hunt - Speech & Language Therapist
Rotherham SENDIASS stands for Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service
Page updated
Report abuse