Who do we support? 

Otters Class is a specialist classroom for children with complex ASD, speech and language and communication needs and secondary learning difficulties. In order to meet the needs of these children and ensure they make good progress academically, emotionally and socially, we have developed personalised learning programmes within the classroom which supports each learner to achieve their best.  The provision offers an enriched, individually orientated curriculum within an integrated setting where children can learn at a pace that suits their needs. It offers a unique quieter and calm environment where children can work on the acquisition of specific skills in safe and comfortable surroundings. 

How do we support children? 

Otters Class opened in October 2025 due to a growing need within the school.  

Children in Otters Class range from Year 1 and Year 2 depending on their learning style. Learning is supported through the EYFS principles of ‘learning through play’. Within Otters Class, we recognise that play and interactions are key skills to be developed when promoting effective learning. 

In the classroom, we offer a range of one-to-one, small group and whole class tasks with support and access to a broad and balanced curriculum. Opportunity is provided for children to interact with peers from their classes, taking place to develop both communication and social skills for all children involved.  Each child has access to and experience of, the National Curriculum at their own level, pace and understanding. Each child has individualised work programs designed to cover the areas of physical development, personal and social development, language, literacy and communication, mathematics, creative development and knowledge and understanding. Some specialist approaches to Autism that will be used are; The TEACCH Approach, Attention Autism, PECS, Intensive Interaction and Sensory Integration. The individual needs and learning style may determine to a great extent the methodology used. This includes close working both within school and with other professionals to produce individual education plans.  

Children remain on roll in their classes and time is given throughout the school day for the children to interact with their peers from that class, for example during playtimes. 

Children participate in all school activities including assemblies and PE. In addition, community visits are undertaken. Life skills sessions are also taught including; road safety, cooking and shopping. 

Outside agency support 

We collaborate closely with ASD outreach, Willowdene school – an all through specialist school within our academy trust in Greenwich, the Educational Psychology service, occupational therapy and STEPS. The Speech and Language therapist supports staff weekly within the settings. As such we utilise a wide variety of professional support which allows for continual review and reflection of practice and provision for our children.