What is Phase 1
The main focus within phase 1 is to develop their interest and curiosity for learning and
develop skills needed to access a formal education curriculum. We support pupils to develop
a sense of identity about who they are and support them to form positive attachments to be
able to work cooperatively with their peers. Pupils will develop their self-care skills and their
emotional resilience.
Phase 1 groups access a topic based curriculum, pupils access focussed teaching time in
Phonics, English, maths, topic and PE. Most lessons are taught by the class teacher,
however all pupils access PE with a specialist PE teacher. As they progress through the
phase they begin to access specialist teaching staff for some lessons such as art, DT and
music in preparation for moving into phase 2.
Key Features
Child initiated learning
Pupils in phase 1 also access child-initiated learning, the classroom is set up with a range of educational play activities where pupils lead their own learning experiences. Staff act as facilitators of this learning and intervene to support and extend learning where appropriate.
This means that pupils develop confidence, independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills as they are allowed to explore, make their own choices, and learn at their own pace
Sensory approach
Phase 1 has their own sensory room where pupils can access sensory provision both on a ‘when needed’ basis and built into their timetable to ensure pupils remain regulated. They are also part of the whole school offer which includes rebound therapy, sensory integration and makaton.
Speech and Language
Phase 1 pupils access a range of speech and language programmes, depending on their need. We have group interventions such as talk boost and attention autism as well as one to one sessions to work on pupils’ individual targets. We aim to ensure pupils are effective communicators, in their chosen communication method.
I like coming to Epinay because the teachers help me and I feel safe. I’ve made new friends and I get to do fun things like cooking and trips. It’s the best school I’ve been to
– Phase 1 Student
