Meerkat Class

Autumn Term

Topic: Toys

Communication and Interaction

Throughout the Autumn term, we will develop pupils' attention, engagement and communication through motivating play, sensory experiences, songs and stories. In the first half term, our key text is Where's My Teddy?, which we explore through hiding and finding, familiar toys, songs, sounds and repeated interactions. Pupils are encouraged to notice, respond, communicate preferences, make choices and begin to request favourite experiences again.

In the second half term, we will continue these skills through Old Bear, alongside exciting seasonal experiences including Bonfire Night and Christmas. We will use a Total Communication approach throughout, responding to each pupil's individual communication through eye gaze, facial expression, movement, vocalisation, objects, photographs, symbols, signs and communication aids

Cognition and Learning

Throughout the term, pupils will develop their early thinking skills through exploration, repetition and cause-and-effect play. We will explore hiding and finding, object permanence, familiar toys and objects, big and small, switches and simple repeated routines. Pupils will be supported to notice what happens when they carry out an action and increasingly activate and explore motivating resources for themselves. These skills will continue through Old Bear and seasonal activities, using lights, sounds, boxes, toys and Christmas resources to provide motivating opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Our Engagement Exploration Programme will support pupils to develop attention, anticipation and participation through Bucket, Stage 2 and, as pupils become ready, Stage 3 activities. This fits the progression already evident in your current plan from cause-and-effect exploration towards independent activation and participation.

Physical and Sensory

Pupils will have lots of opportunities throughout the Autumn term to move, explore and develop their physical and sensory skills. Activities include movement in the hall, gross and fine motor experiences, soft play, sensory massage, sensory play, creative activities, swimming and rebound where appropriate. Pupils will explore different textures, sounds, lights, movements and materials through our toy theme and seasonal experiences.

We will encourage pupils to notice and respond to sensory experiences, maintain engagement with activities they enjoy and gradually develop greater confidence and independence when exploring familiar resources.

Social, Emotional and Mental Health

Throughout the term, we will support pupils to feel safe, happy and confident within their classroom and wider school environment. Familiar welcome, eating and home-time routines will help pupils develop a sense of belonging and begin to anticipate what happens next. Pupils will enjoy positive shared experiences alongside familiar adults and peers while developing confidence to explore and participate more independently.

As the term progresses, pupils will be encouraged to communicate what they enjoy, make choices, participate in familiar routines and increasingly initiate interactions and activities. Bonfire Night, Christmas and other shared seasonal experiences will provide lots of opportunities for enjoyment, anticipation and celebrating together.

Remote Learning

To learn more about the remote learning for this class, please click on the following link:

Heatherwood School - Remote Learning

Rolling Curriculum

To view the rolling curriculum programme for this class, please click on the following link:

Heatherwood School - Rolling Programme

Meerkat Class Overview - Autumn Term 2026

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