Designated Provisions - Fireflies and Dragonflies
At Gorse Covert Primary School, we offer a designated provision for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our two dedicated provisions cater to both Early Years/Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, each with a capacity for eight students.
Children in the Gorse Covert Designated Provision are taught in a supportive and nurturing environment, where every child is encouraged and supported to reach their full potential. The curriculum is personalised to meet individual needs, focusing on the development of life skills, communication, and independence, while still following the National Curriculum.
Who do we cater for?
All the children in designated provision classes have an Education and Health Care Plan (E.H.C.P.) and an ASD diagnosis.
Inclusivity
All Designated Provision classrooms are located within the main school building, providing children with access to well-resourced spaces and a large outdoor area connected to each classroom.
As an inclusive school, we are committed to ensuring that all children, including those in the Designated Provision, can fully engage in school life. Children are encouraged to participate in assemblies and they join their peers during lunch and break time.
The curriculum offers numerous opportunities for integration with mainstream classes, particularly in foundation lessons like PE, music, art and social sessions.
Additionally, children in the Designated Provision take part in a wide range of school events, such as school trips, themed weeks, after-school clubs, productions, and much more.
Therapies
Many children in the Designated Provision receive support through Speech and Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy programs. A therapist assesses each child and develops a tailored program, which is then implemented by staff in the classroom under the therapist’s guidance. The program is regularly monitored and updated as needed.
Funding and Admission Arrangements
Places in the designated provision are funded separately from the mainstream budget, ensuring we can effectively meet the needs of each child. Admissions are managed by the Local Authority and follow a process that includes a submission to a panel of specialists and discussions with parents.
Curriculum
The children follow a personalised version of the National Curriculum, tailored to meet their individual needs. We set personalised academic and social targets to challenge and support their progress. Throughout the provision, we focus on developing key skills, including communication, self-help and independence, through both planned activities and everyday interactions.
Assessment
The children are assessed using a system that tracks progress in small, manageable steps, with progress reviewed each term. You will be regularly updated on your child’s development throughout the year.
Parents and Carers
We value strong home-school partnerships and maintain open communication with parents. Staff are available after school, and we use the Seesaw app to share regular updates, including photos and information about your child’s activities. This has received excellent feedback from our current parents.
We report on children’s progress in line with the mainstream schedule, providing updates during parents' evenings and through end-of-year reports. With parental consent, named staff can administer medication in school. We also collaborate with external agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to your child’s support and development.
Staff
The provision is supported by a dedicated team of teachers and teaching assistants with a broad range of skills and experience. We maintain a high staff-to-pupil ratio, with each class typically having one teacher and two teaching assistants to provide tailored support.
Fireflies
Teacher: Miss Gibbons
Teaching Assistants: Mrs Fenton, Miss Platt, Mrs Cooper
Dragonflies
Teacher: Mr Horne
Teaching Assistants: Mrs Dickinson, Ms Cole, Miss Taylor and Mrs Cooper
Local Authority
To find out about local services and activities available for children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) please click the below link or call 01925 442659,
http://www.mylifewarrington.co.uk
Warrington SEND, Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS) is an organisation that helps parents, carers and young people with special educational needs in early education settings, schools and colleges. They can explain:
How the education system works
What early education providers, schools and colleges can do to help your child/young person.
What local authorities and other services can do to help your child/young person.
Your rights and your child/young person’s rights.
They work in partnership with parents, schools, colleges, local authority and other service providers.
Tel: 01925 442978
email: imacdonald@warrington.gov.uk
