Rainbow I Language Unit

This language unit was set up initially as an infant class.  However, it soon became apparent that a more flexible approach was necessary if we were to meet fully the range of needs and abilities typically found in children requiring a language unit placement.

As a result, the minimum age for entry to Rainbow I is now five years of age with most children remaining there until around seven. However, as explained in the introduction, placement within, and movement between the two language classes is now dependent on a child's language level, their academic ability and emotional development rather than on their age alone, as long as this does not have an adverse impact on the class dynamics. It also means where parents and staff agree that a child would benefit from remaining for a longer time in Rainbow this can be considered.

The Language-Focused Curriculum

• Rainbow I class follows a language–focused curriculum where opportunities for language learning are optimised throughout the school day; during numeracy sessions, at snack time, drama, ICT etc. This way, the speech and language and communication goals and objectives for each child are incorporated into activities in a meaningful social context, encouraging both child-child and adult-child communication.This language-focused curriculum builds on the National Curriculum suitably modified and fine-tuned to meet each child’s specific needs. It provides opportunities for repetition, overlearning and generalisation.

• Cognition, motor, and social skills are fostered through both child-centred activities which promote opportunities for exploration and child-initiated learning, and adult-directed activities which provide the necessary structure and support.

• Children learn the relationship between language and literacy through both structured and naturalistic activities which relate to everyday activities.

• The developmental level and learning style of each child is taken into consideration throughout  the day in order to ensure success and promote confidence and feelings of self worth.

Rainbow staff work closely with the speech and language therapist to maximise opportunities throughout the school day to support the development of speech, language and social communication.  This is possible due to the level of specialist knowledge, high adult-child ratio, and the work ethos whereby all unit staff are actively involved in the setting of speech and language and academic targets for each child.

Private arrangemets can be made with the experienced independent occupational therapist who visits the Centre each week during term time. Programmes of work are then incorporated into the curriculum by staff.