Resource Base – Wiltshire Class

 ‘Do the best you can and never stop’ Stephen Wiltshire

“Let your light shine.” – Matthew 5:16

Wiltshire Class is an integral and highly valued part of the Westbury Junior School community. Guided by our school vision, “Let your light shine”, and our core values of Respect, Care and Inspire, we are committed to ensuring that every child is recognised as an individual, celebrated for their strengths and supported to become the very best version of themselves.

Our Resource Base provides specialist provision for children in Years 3 to 6 with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. We support children with complex needs, communication and interaction needs, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, cognition and learning needs, alongside associated social, emotional and sensory differences. Every child brings their own unique strengths, interests, needs and aspirations, and these remain at the heart of everything we do.

We are proud to have a highly skilled and dedicated team who work closely together to provide a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive learning environment. Positive relationships are central to our approach. We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, understood and valued, and we take time to get to know every child as an individual. Through consistency, specialist knowledge and high expectations, we aim to provide the right balance of support and challenge for every learner.

We believe that children in our Resource Base are entitled to a broad, balanced and rewarding curriculum that provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to flourish in life. Our curriculum draws upon the most pertinent aspects of the National Curriculum, providing powerful knowledge and meaningful experiences that inspire and equip children to act with increasing independence in their ever-widening world.

We recognise that every child's learning journey is different. Our curriculum enables us to prioritise the knowledge and skills that are most important to each individual. Learning is carefully broken down into small, achievable steps which are sequenced and taught to enable children to acquire new skills and use them increasingly independently. Each child's learning journey is closely aligned with their individual needs and aspirations, including the outcomes identified within their Education, Health and Care Plan.

Our curriculum enables children to access learning appropriate to their stage of development. Some children benefit from an exploratory and developmental learning environment informed by EYFS principles and schemas of learning, while others are supported as they emerge into more formal learning. For children who are ready, learning increasingly follows a more structured pathway towards the Key Stage 2 curriculum. These approaches remain flexible and responsive as children develop.

Education in Wiltshire Class is about much more than academic achievement. Alongside literacy, mathematics and wider curriculum knowledge, we provide structured opportunities for children to develop communication, social interaction, emotional literacy, independence and essential life skills. Our afternoon Skills Sessions provide targeted opportunities for children to work towards their individual EHCP outcomes and personalised targets.

Practical experiences are also an important part of our provision. Weekly cooking opportunities help children develop independence, communication, teamwork and functional life skills, while providing meaningful opportunities to apply their learning.

Wiltshire Class is very much part of the wider Westbury Junior School community. Inclusion is central to our ethos, and we believe that all children should have meaningful opportunities to belong, participate and build relationships with their peers. Where appropriate, opportunities for inclusion are actively explored and encouraged, with experiences carefully planned around the individual needs of each child.

Children may join their peers for curriculum lessons, collective worship, assemblies, lunchtimes, playtimes, Sports Day and wider school events. They are also encouraged to participate in educational visits, residential experiences, Bikeability and after-school clubs where appropriate. Inclusion looks different for every child, and our priority is always to ensure that experiences are meaningful and support their emotional, social and academic development.

We understand that wellbeing and emotional regulation are fundamental to successful learning. Some children can find busy, demanding or noisy periods of the school day overwhelming. We therefore provide access to safe and nurturing spaces, sensory opportunities and trusted adults who can support children to understand and regulate their emotions. Our approach is rooted in acceptance and understanding, supporting children to develop confidence and independence in managing their own needs.

We believe strongly in working in partnership with families. Parents and carers know their children best, and understanding a child's experiences outside school helps us to provide the most effective support. We value regular communication through day-to-day conversations, Class Dojo, telephone calls, meetings and more formal opportunities, including annual EHCP reviews. We always endeavour to make time to listen and work collaboratively with families.

We also take a holistic approach to children's development and work closely with a range of multi-agency professionals to ensure that provision is responsive to each child's needs. Depending on the individual child, this may include SEND Lead Workers, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Learning Disability Teams, Paediatricians and other health, education and social care professionals.

Many of our children continue their educational journey with us from the Resource Base at our neighbouring Westbury Infant School. When children move on from Westbury Junior School, we work closely with families and receiving settings to ensure that transitions are carefully planned and supported. Children may progress to local mainstream secondary schools, secondary Resource Bases or specialist settings, depending upon their individual needs and aspirations.

Wiltshire Class shares the same ethos and values as the wider school community. Through Respect, we celebrate individuality and recognise the unique strengths and potential of every child. Through Care, we provide a nurturing environment where children feel safe, understood and valued. Through Inspire, we maintain high aspirations and provide meaningful opportunities for children to develop confidence, independence and belief in what they can achieve.

Our Resource Base is a place where children are supported, challenged, understood and celebrated. We are proud to provide an environment where specialist provision and inclusion work hand in hand, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and flourish.

“Let your light shine.” – Matthew 5:16