Christ Church CofE Primary Inclusion Base Handbook For Parents Welcome to Our Inclusion Base (Rainbow Class)
What is the Inclusion Base?
At Christ Church CofE Primary School, inclusion is at the heart of our vision to “Let Your Light Shine.” Our Inclusion Base (Rainbow Class) is an integral part of our school community that provides a calm, safe, and highly structured environment for pupils with complex needs.
The Base delivers a sensory, pre-formal curriculum designed to meet children at their developmental level. It focuses on building core foundational skills to help pupils engage with the world around them. Learning is centered around four key areas:
* Communication and Interaction Skills
* Cognition and Thinking Skills
* Physical Development and Well-being
* Emotional Regulation and Independence
Who Can Access the Base?
Our Inclusion Base is tailored for children with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) that have an EHCP. Places are allocated by the Local Authority via the SEND Panel.
Tailored Support:Pupils in the base present a broad range of needs, including diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or specific medical and sensory conditions.
* EHCP & Individualized Goals:Learning plans are closely anchored to each child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Outcomes are broken down into achievable, personalized “small-step” targets.
* Specialist Collaboration:Access to targeted interventions is provided in partnership with external professionals, including Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), the Language and Communication Team (LACT), Educational Psychologists, Psychotherapy, and the School Nurse.
What is the Base Like?
A Calm & Low-Sensory Learning Environment
The Rainbow Class environment is carefully arranged to prevent sensory overload and support independent learning:
Predictable Structure:Uses Widget visual symbols, daily visual timetables, task planners, and “Now and Next” boards.
Sensory Spaces:Features quiet areas, reduced visual clutter, low cognitive load, workstations, and sensory circuit equipment (such as a Swedish ladder).
A Typical Day & Curriculum Highlights
Our daily schedule blends structured learning, sensory regulation, therapeutic sessions, and hands-on activities:
* Sensory-First Start: Mornings begin at the dedicated Nursery Gate at 8:55 am, leading into “settling in,” sensory circuits, and RISE Therapy sessions to help pupils regulate and get “ready to learn.”
* Core & Target Learning:Daily hands-on English and Maths alongside individualized 1:1 “box time” sessions targeting specific EHCP goals.
* Enriching Activities:Weekly cooking sessions (to foster independence, curiosity, and food exploration), Forest School (every Tuesday in all weathers), Music, Science, and PSHE.
* Continuous Progress Tracking:Pupil achievements—including communication milestones and emotional self-regulation—are recorded and shared with parents in real time via the Tapestry app.
Key Information for Families
* School Day Timings: 8:55 am to 3:15 pm (Drop-off and pick-up via the Nursery Gate).
* Uniform Requirements: Standard school uniform (grey bottoms, white polo/shirt, navy cardigan/jumper, black shoes).
* PE & Outdoor Learning:Plain navy PE kit worn every Tuesday. Pupils also require a set of waterproofs and wellies to remain in school for outdoor learning and Forest School.