A very warm welcome from
Pond Meadow Academy Trust
We are an outstanding special school with high ambition, committed to best preparing pupils from the moment they join us for life beyond school, which is reflected in our vision and values.
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PondMeadowAT
Playing outside can support children in so many ways. It can help reduce anxiety, build gross motor skills and offer a calming space to support sensory regulation.
Here are four simple ways to encourage outdoor play:
-Create a quiet space: a small tent or a shady spot under a tree can give children somewhere calm to reset.
-Try messy play: set up outdoor sensory play with mud kitchens, sand, water or natural materials.
-Offer gentle guidance: help children choose how they play to reduce frustration and encourage independence.
-Follow the child’s interests: use chalk for sorting games, bug-hunting kits for nature lovers, or add favourite toys and topics, like plastic dinosaurs or animals.
#PondMeadow #activtiesathome #summer #summerlearning #summerfun #equipforlife #specialneeds
#sensoryplay #sen #specialeducation #outdoorlearning #inclusiveplay #additionalneeds #neurodiversity #earlyyears #playbasedlearning
PondMeadowAT
PREPARING FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL
The start of a new school year can bring lots of feelings, and returning after the summer holidays can be a big change for our students.
A little preparation at home can help children feel more settled and ready for the routine ahead.
You might like to gently support the transition by:
-Talking about what will happen on their first day of school
-Looking at photo boards and talking about the students and staff they will be with
-Exploring school uniform and practising getting dressed
-Establishing regular sleep and wake routines
Starting with small steps now can help make the move from home to school feel calmer and more familiar.
#PondMeadow #specialschool #equipforlife #specialneeds #backtoschool #specialchildren #send #sendteacher #specialeducation #pecsuk
#teachersofinstagram #ukteacher #teachersfollowteachers #communicationskills #makaton #speechandlanguage #autism #autismclassroom #asd
PondMeadowAT
Reading is a wonderful way to support learning, communication and imagination over the summer holidays.
Whether reading together, looking through picture books or listening to a story, these small moments can help build confidence, language skills and independence.
Here are a few simple ways to support reading at home:
1. Take books outside and read together under a tree.
2. Try making reading part of your daily routine. As well as a bedtime story, you could set a story time each day.
3. Visit your local library.
4. Try audiobooks — listening to a story together can be just as enjoyable.
5. Remember, comics and magazines count too.
6. Keep reading sessions short, relaxed and frequent.
#reading #fun #literacy #books #PondMeadow #equipforlife #specialneeds #specialschool #summerfun #activitiesathome
PondMeadowAT
Our website has had a makeover! If you’re looking for information, resources or support for your family, take a look at the helpful sections on our website.
You can find the links in our bio for:
-Support and services for families
-Home Learning
-Communication boards
#equipforlife #PondMeadow #support #specialcare #specialneeds #specialfamilies #community #supportathome #resources
PondMeadowAT
SENSORY WATER PLAY
Looking for a simple summer activity to try at home? Water play is a lovely way to cool down, reset and have fun on a warm day.
Set up a sponge squeeze tray by filling a shallow tray or tub with water, then adding sponges in different shapes and sizes. Encourage your child to squeeze, pour, fill and empty cups or jars.
Through play, children can explore cause and effect, build fine motor strength and practise coordination.
For more summer ideas, have a look at our Summer Fun Highlights!
#sensoryplay #waterplay #summerfun #activitiesathome #playislearning #summerplay #PondMeadow #equipforlife #specialneeds #specialchildren #send #specialeducation