At Riverside primary school we provide an inclusive education for all 

Our school environment provides additional spaces in and around the building to support the diverse needs of our children, and in particular, those pupils with an identified SEND and those pupils who have difficulties with self-regulation, which can prevent them from accessing the full curriculum.

Sensory Pathway

 

Our Sensory Pathway enables children to complete a series of tasks in a specific order: first, alerting activities, followed by organising activities and finishing with calming activities so that they are ready to return to their classroom and learn.

The children can also access our Sensory Portholes on their way back to class and this is particularly soothing and calming for them. 

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The Sensory Garden

This bespoke outdoor space provides a range of activities for pupils seeking sensory experiences. This includes sand, water, texture and smell (from our boxed planters). 

 

Children who require a sensory break in the day are taken to the Sensory Garden by an adult who supports their choices.

The Sensory Garden is also used by children to complete a sensory circuit. These are a structured set of physical activities designed to energise, regulate and calm the nervous system so that children are ready to learn. Participating in a short sensory motor circuit alerts or calms the child to settle into (and throughout) the day. A Sensory Circuit aims to achieve an optimal level of alertness for engaging in learning experiences.

Circuits are bespoke to the individual child and the adult supports the child in selecting the appropriate activities for their circuit (from a menu) which meets their specific requirements.