Resource Base
Welcome to the Resource Base at Silver Springs Academy
Here at Silver Springs we believe every child deserves the best possible start to life in a place where they feel safe, comfortable and supported to reach their full potential.
Our Resource Base offers a happy, inclusive learning environment with high quality teaching and learning, resources and opportunities to thrive and grow. We place a high focus on children’s independence, communication and interactions with others, and we celebrate each of their talents and foster an excitement to learn.
Our provision is for pupils that benefit from a communication rich, extended EYFS approach to play based learning with lots of opportunities for child-led play and exploration. Class staff will ensue each learning space is presented with the needs of the children at the centre of the decision making. Striking the balance of providing an enabling and inviting environment that doesn’t over stimulate the sense of our more sensory led learners who need a lower distraction environment.
Meet the Resource Base Team
Hi, I’m Rachel McHugh and I have worked as an Early Years Teacher at Silver Springs Academy since 2014 and led our current specialist provision since we began in 2023. I feel very proud of our children, our team and our school. It will be my privilege too be a key part of your children’s educational journey and to share all those special moments and achievements with you all. I am most looking forward to bringing you into the Silver Springs family and working together to give your children the best possible start to school life.
Hello and welcome. I’m Julie Warren and I will be working alongside Rachel as one of the Resource Base Teachers. I have worked within several special schools over a 27 year career specialising in Early Years. I am passionate about giving a voice to all learners and working with families to support you on this journey. I am a mum of 3 children, 2 of my children have complex and significant additional needs.
Hi. I am Sarah Turner and I have been with the Silver Springs Family for 7 years. I have 3 children and my girls all attended Silver Springs. I enjoy family holidays to Disney and I am a fan of Harry Potter Lego.
Hello. I am Heather Westwell and I am a Teaching Assistant at Silver Springs Academy. I enjoy walking my dogs and travelling. I am an active member of the local community and enjoy being part of the charity work in the area. I can’t wait to work with all the children in the Resource Base.
Hi, my name is Miss Humphreys. I have a personal and professional passion for working with children with SEN. I bring experience of working in specialist high schools. I am excited to be working with your children to ensure they have a positive, nurturing and enjoyable time in the Resource Base and to watch them thrive every day.
Hi, I’m Mrs Moody. I enjoy family film nights and relaxing when I can by sitting in my garden and reading my favourite book. I’m looking forward to helping our children feel welcomed, supported and confident as they settle into their new journey in the Resource Base.
Hello, my name is Miss Legg and I am delighted to be part of the Silver Springs team. I have worked as an Early Years Practitioner for the last 4 years and I have a passion for supporting children’s learning and development. I especially enjoy Messy Play as this encourages creativity, curiosity and fun.
I am Miss Schofield. I am a very creative person who loves colouring and exploring new ideas. I really enjoy spending time with my daughter, we enjoy doing lots of things together. I am excited to meet our new children and introduce my skills, including Messy Play.
Hi, I’m Miss Walker. I have been a part of the Resource Base since December, but I have been a part of the Silver Springs family since 2021. I really enjoy my role especially Attention Autism sessions, Messy play and reading. I am really looking forward to meeting all the new children and welcoming them to the Resource Base.
Our School Day
| Resource Base – Day Timings |
| Universal Breakfast Club – Children can come from 08.30am and have breakfast in school |
| Flexible Arrival – 08.30am – 09.30am |
| Flexible Collection – 2.30pm – 3.15pm |
| Morning Break – 10.30am – 10.45am |
| Lunchtime – 11.30am – 1.00pm |
Learning Pathways
The Resource Base at Silver Springs recognises all children within the base have different start points, preferred learning styles and require a bespoke approach to their learning opportunities. To support this model, we offer a 3 pathway curriculum approach. According to their strengths across the EYFS educational programmes and children may fluidly work across 1,2 or all 3 pathways across areas of learning.
The pathways offered are
Pre-formal pathway
- Learning intentions and opportunities built around the 4 areas within the EHCP
- Communication and Language – turning towards a familiar sound/voice, enjoy singing/music, understand a single word/symbol in context
- Cognition and Learning – sensory mark making opportunities, explore space with their bodies, get to know daily routine
- Social, emotional and mental health – form bonds with caregivers, develop social confidence, enjoy being with familiar people
- Sensory and Physical – learn through their senses, develop motor skills, develop object permanence
Semi – formal pathway
- Learning intentions and opportunities built around the 4 areas within the EHCP but with an EYFS subject focus – Literacy, Maths, Physical, Expressive arts and design, Understanding of the World all underpinned by Communication and PSED
- Communication and language – listens to and enjoys rhymes and stories, recognises familiar sounds, selects items by name, begin to understand multi-dimensional instructions
- Cognition and learning – knows marks hold meaning, enjoys mark making, shows counting like behaviours, enjoys filling and emptying, enjoys shapes and puzzles.
- SEMH – explore the environment confidently, play alone or alongside others, watch and imitate other children in play, express a range of feelings, aware of others feelings
- Sensory and Physical – explore physical ability, use writing tool to make marks
Formal pathway
This pathway follows the same intentions and outcomes as the main school Reception classes with enhanced communication and PSED opportunities in line with their learning profiles, the additional scaffold and support will be offered alongside the ‘mainstream’ curriculum offer as above and working towards the Silver Springs EYFS curriculum ambitions.
- Communication and Language – total communication approaches – symbols, processing time, AAC, symbol rich environment, consistent language and strategies from staff
- Cognition and learning – short, intended focus interventions, small groups or 1:1
- Social, emotional and mental health – modelled and supported play, turn taking games, sabotage opportunities to model suggested approaches to disappointment/overwhelm/big emotions
- Sensory and Physical – access to designated sensory and gross motor play spaces
Communication
Most children accessing the Resource Base at Silver Springs have a delay in their social communication, within the RB we promote a total communication environment alongside support from Speech and Language therapy (SALT). Our experienced staff employ strategies such as Intensive Interaction, symbol/photo rich environments, voice output devices and signing. All our children are given a voice and the tools to engage in meaningful communication at an appropriate level. We use objects cues, photo reference and child friendly symbols to encourage independence and to support transitioning from one activity or space to another.
Sensory and Physical Development
Most children accessing the RB at Silver Springs have additional sensory and or Physical needs. For children to best meet their potential, we have a large indoor gross motor learning space with soft play equipment, balls, balance and body awareness opportunities.
We also have a calming sensory space with lights, interactive responsive resources, soft seating and cushions. These spaces are available throughout the day for children to access freely.
Useful Reminders for our Resource Base Families
Doors open from 08.30am for Breakfast. The school day starts at 08.55am. Doors open for home time between 2.30pm and 3.15pm.
We offer a calm start and finish to the school day, you can drop off from 08.30am and collect from 2.30pm.
Every child is entitled to a FREE school meal (Universal Free School Meals)
Please ensure all items of uniform, clothes, shoes are labelled with your child’s name. Keep checking names are visible throughout the year.
Please ensure suitable outdoor wear is sent into school depending on the weather.
On sunny days, please remember to apply sun cream to your child before they come into school. A named botte can be brought in for top-ups.
Please ensure blue reading folders, reading books and reading comment books are brought into school daily.
Children should bring a named water bottle each day.
Please keep us updated with any medical information, dietary requirements or emergency contact detail changes.
