Sunflower Intent, Implementation and Impact 🌻
Our Intent
We provide a safe, nurturing and highly personalised environment where every pupil is valued as an individual. Our aim is to support pupils to develop communication, independence, and emotional wellbeing, enabling them to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
We prioritise:
- Building trusting relationships
- Supporting communication in all forms
- Promoting confidence, choice and autonomy
- Delivering learning that is functional, engaging and relevant
How We Support Our Pupils
Our approach is individualised and flexible, recognising the different ways our pupils learn and respond.
- A sensory-rich, adapted curriculum tailored to each pupil’s needs
- Strong focus on communication
- Use of structured and low-demand approaches
- Emphasis on emotional regulation and wellbeing, with calm, supportive environments
- Learning through engagement, exploration and repetition
- Close collaboration with families and external professionals
The Impact for Our Pupils
Our pupils make meaningful progress in ways that matter to them:
- Increased engagement and participation in learning
- Improved communication and interaction skills
- Greater independence and ability to make choices
- Reduced anxiety and improved emotional regulation
- Stronger relationships and confidence
Transitions In and Out of Sunflower 🌻
Transition into and out of St George’s Sunflower Department in Year 6 and Year 14 or before if chosen, is a carefully planned, bespoke process tailored to each learner’s individual needs, strengths, and aspirations. Although exciting, this transition can be difficult and overwhelming for individuals and their families for many reasons, and we want to make this as easy as possible. For Year 6 pupils, transition from primary provision is supported through close collaboration with families, previous settings, and external professionals, alongside personalised visits, visual supports, and gradual familiarisation to reduce anxiety and build confidence. We will work closely with individual families to support you and make every transition as smooth and successful as possible.
Similarly, preparation for post-19 pathways for Year 14 students is highly individualised, focusing on developing independence, life skills, and clear next-step plans within appropriate social care pathways and community-based provision where needed. Consistent and appropriate transitions to the next phase is crucial to ensure that the pathways individuals take are right for them so they can continue to develop, grow, feel safe and be happy as they carry on their journey into adulthood. This process involves multi-agency input and ongoing consultation with students and families to ensure a smooth, meaningful transition that promotes wellbeing, continuity, and successful outcomes.
Any concerns you have over transitioning your child into Sunflower, please contact Kirsty Sedgwick/Katie Ousby to discuss Individual arrangements.
