A warm welcome to the Learning Support area of the website from Ms Wilson, Mrs Laverty & Ms Young.

All staff in Oakgrove Integrated Primary & Nursery School believe in an inclusive ethos and that every pupil has an entitlement to develop their full potential while being educated alongside their peers.  Educational provision in OIPNS addresses children’s particular learning difficulties / differences / disabilities, as well as facilitating the efficient education for other children with whom they are educated.

We provide educational experiences which develop all pupils’ achievements and recognise individuality.  We value diversity and embrace it to support the learning of all. As an Integrated School we work towards identifying and minimising the barriers to learning and provide equal opportunities for all.  We provide a broad, balanced, relevant and appropriately challenging curriculum suitably differentiated to meet individual needs.  

At Oakgrove IPNS we have the facility to offer children placement in our on-site Nurture Centre, under the leadership of our specialist teacher Mrs Julie Young. Our Nurture Centre runs for three morning sessions per week and focuses specifically on Early year's Intervention (P1-P3)

WHAT IS NURTURE?

Simply put, 'Nurture' means to nourish, educate, help and grow. This is what all school life is about. However, a nurture centre allows extra space, time and support to be given to each child to help their growth. Nurturing is especially valuable for young pupils who may find school too long, too challenging and who may be overwhelmed. At school these children can seem too quiet, noisy or lonely. In the Nurture Centre pupils are able to grow, develop and learn at their own pace while receiving additional reassurance and support.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NURTURE CENTRE?

Nurture is the opportunity to develop one-to-one relationships between staff and children. In the centre trust, sharing, caring, turn-taking and building self-esteem will be central. The children will receive that extra time, attention and individual care that may not be possible in a busy, mainstream class.

HOW WILL THE NURTURE CENTRE LINK WITH THE CHILD'S OWN CLASS ACTIVITIES?

The day will begin and close in their normal class setting where pupils will register before being taken to the Nurture Centre. Pupils will continue to take part in class activities such as art, ICT, music, educational trips and assemblies.The Nurture Centre will support the aims of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and pupils continue to follow the statutory programmes of study.

SPiMS: Specialist Provision in Mainstream
Social Communication/Autism

• Social communication placements are primarily for pupils with a diagnosis of ASD and an identified SEN of social communication as stated on their statement of Special Educational Needs.
• The process is managed through the Education Authority, Statutory Assessment and Review (SARS) process. SARS offer placements in consultation with the school and parents.

Aims

Specialist Provision (Social Communication) refers to a structured learning environment within a mainstream school, specifically designed for pupils with social communication difficulties, including those with autism. These provisions offer a modified learning environment with enhanced support, aiming to address individual learning needs and promote social interaction and communication skill

Inclusion:

The provision aims to support pupils to participate in mainstream classes to the extent appropriate for their individual needs, fostering inclusion and interaction with their peers 

• My Autism & Me (BBC Newsround)