Dear Parents/Carers,
The Opal School is an additionally resources provision (ARP) based at Fryent Primary School specifically for pupils with autism. Our aim is to help pupils overcome the obstacles associated with autism so that they can develop their social and communication skills and make academic progress.
Before considering if The Opal School is a suitable school for your child, it is important to outline our criteria. There is an expectation that children attending The Opal School have some level of functional language and are able to understand and follow instructions. An ability to pay attention is also a requirement as the children are required to sit and attend to lessons within a group of seven for up to 15-20 minutes at a time, with a teacher and two TAs supporting the class. The children also need to be able to complete adult led paired activities followed by independent activities. The setting of The Opal School is very structured and formal with access to National Curriculum subjects such as Literacy, Maths and Topic taught daily.
Currently the SENCO team liaise with SENAS, parents and nurseries regarding admissions to The Opal School. The Team Leaders of The Opal School are also part of this admissions process, and they observe the child when they are invited to school. During the school visit, the SENCO and Opal Team Leader will be able to gain a better understanding of your child’s needs and their suitability to The Opal School. You will also be able to ask us questions about The Opal School and get to see the school.
The Opal School’s school day starts at 9:30am and ends at 3:30pm. Some pupils are brought to and from school by Brent Transport.
The Opal School currently has seven classes (Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6) each class has a maximum of 7 pupils.
The Opal School classes are set up to support the learning of pupils with Autism. Each class has a whole class teaching are (Circle Time) and individual work stations which follows the structured TEACCH approach. Please click on the link below to read more about it:
Strategies and interventions - TEACCH (autism.org.uk)
Each class is adapted to the needs of the pupils. The younger classes Reception and Year 1 have a playroom while all classes have reading and sensory areas as well as individual work stations.
Playrooms in Reception and Year 1
Circle time during whole class teaching is led by the class teacher and supported by specialist teaching assistants.
As part of the teaching in The Opal School all staff have been trained to carry out Attention Autism (Bucket time) sessions to develops pupils' attention, focus and spontaneous language development.
Sensory corner to carry out Intensive Interaction sessions to promote communication and provide sensory stimulation.
The Opal School corridor with sound insulation boards to reduce sensory feedback for pupils.
Two Opal School playgrounds have equipment to support motor skills and general development.
The Opal School has its own lunchroom which also serves as a therapy room for Speech and Occupational Therapists to deliver sessions with pupils. As The Opal School is attached to the main school, pupils also have access to the library, ICT suite, Opal and main playground for older pupils, both school halls for PE and assembly.
A sensory room or light room is also on site to support pupil’s sensory development. We also have a calm room to support pupils who become dysregulated and for Occupational Therapy.
To learn more about The Opal School please click contact Ms Baig, Assistant Head of Inclusion and Head of Opal School.
