The Meadow - School Based Provision
In February 2019, we opened our first provision (formally known as Pear Class) in response to a number of pupils who were finding it extremely challenging to access mainstream teaching and learning due to a significant delay in their social communication and language skills. Alongside this, some also had a diagnosis of Global Developmental Delay and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Thank you so much for allowing us to visit both provisions – we were both delighted to see how calm and happy the children were (every single one of them)! Thanks again for yesterday. To echo Minna’s words, it was wonderful to see all the provision children happy, well supported and engaged with their learning. ASD Outreach
In response to an increase in the number of children attending our school who are nonverbal or with very limited/no functional communication skills, we expanded our provision offer to two rooms (‘Blossom’ and ‘Clover’) and ‘The Meadow’ was opened. Our vision is to support those attending to develop their language and social communication skills, and executive functioning skills in the provision, to a level where they can transfer these to their mainstream class and be successful long term in education.
Alexander McLeod Primary School takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children and young people in its care. Meeting a pupil's intimate care needs is one aspect of safeguarding. The Intimate Care Policy (found below) aims to provide clear principles and guidance on the issue of supporting intimate care needs in the school environment.
Intimate care is defined as any care which involves washing, touching or carrying out an intimate procedure that most children carry out for themselves, but which some are unable to do. Examples include support with dressing and undressing (underwear), changing incontinence pads and nappies, helping someone use the toilet or washing intimate parts of the body. Pupils with a physical disability may be unable to meet their own care needs for a variety of reasons and will require regular support.
No child shall be attended to in a way that causes distress, embarrassment or pain to either the child or adult. Please see the Intimate Care Policy below for further details.
Recently the Meadow provision has been set up for pupils who are currently non-verbal with ASCs. The provision is led by an autism specialist teacher. Environments are low arousal with focused communication invitations and information. Due to developing routines and structures with well deployed staff, pupils are settled and engaged purposefully. A pupil completed his task independently and smiled warmly in recognition of his achievement. Challenge Partners review 2024
The Meadow policyThe Meadow - Newsletter Spring Term 1
Intimate Care Policy 2024-2025
Meet the Lead
At Alexander McLeod, we strongly believe that it is the role of our educators to adapt the provision to ensure that every child’s individual needs are met and that they can achieve success. Staff in the Meadow work together with outside agencies to ensure that they are clear about all children’s starting points and future goals. The aim is for pupils to develop their language and social communication skills in The Meadow to a level where they can transfer these to their mainstream class.