Our Mission Statement

The purpose of The Conker Room, is to provide a stable, compassionate and aspirational learning environment where children with high and complex needs can flourish. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, communicate and develop with dignity, joy and confidence.

We are committed to creating a calm, nurturing and sensory-responsive environment where children feel safe, regulated and ready to learn. Through consistent routines, positive relationships and individualised support, we help every child develop the confidence to engage with the world around them.

Communication is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise and value all forms of communication, ensuring every child has a voice and the opportunity to express their wants, needs, thoughts and feelings.

We celebrate each child's unique strengths, personality and potential. By meeting children at their individual developmental stage, we provide carefully planned learning experiences that promote meaningful progress, independence and a love of learning.

We support emotional wellbeing, social interaction, early academic development and life skills through play and structured routines. We work closely with families and a range of professionals to provide consistent, personalised support that enables every child to thrive.

As part of the wider school community, we are committed to ensuring children have meaningful opportunities for inclusion and participation, whilst maintaining the support they need to succeed.

 

Our Learning Environment

Conker Room has been thoughtfully designed to provide a calm, nurturing and sensory-responsive environment where every child feels safe, secure and ready to learn. The classroom offers a range of carefully planned spaces that support communication, play, exploration and emotional regulation.

Our children benefit from:

• A spacious, welcoming classroom that promotes learning through play and exploration.
• A dedicated sensory room, providing a calming space for regulation, relaxation and sensory exploration.
• An accessible bathroom within the classroom, supporting children's personal care needs and promoting independence within familiar surroundings.
• A creative and messy play area, where children can explore a range of sensory experiences through art, painting, water play, malleable materials and other hands-on activities that encourage creativity, curiosity and self-expression.
• A range of sensory resources, visual supports and communication aids to meet individual needs.
• Structured learning areas alongside opportunities for child-led exploration and play.

Children in Conker Room follow the same topics as Reception, with learning carefully adapted to meet their individual developmental needs and next steps. This enables them to access meaningful learning while remaining connected to the wider school curriculum.

As part of our inclusive approach, children join their Reception peers during Discovery Time, accessing both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. These opportunities help to develop friendships, social communication and a sense of belonging within the wider school community.

Each week, children enjoy an afternoon Forest School session, where they learn through outdoor exploration and play. Forest School encourages curiosity, communication, problem-solving, resilience and independence, while fostering a love of the natural world.

 

Meet the Team

Mrs Panico – Conker Room Lead

Mrs Panico is the Room Lead and is a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator. She has led Conker Room for the past two years and has extensive experience working within both the specialist provision and the wider school. Mrs Panico is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every child can develop confidence, communication and independence.

 

Miss Watson – Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

Miss Watson has a Level 3 qualification in Childcare and has worked in Conker Room for the past year. With many years of experience in childcare, she enjoys supporting children's learning through play and communication. She is currently undertaking training to lead Speech and Language sessions within the provision.

 

Mrs Moseley – Learning Support Assistant (LSA)

Mrs Moseley is a Level 3 qualified Childcare Practitioner with many years of experience in Early Years settings. She has been part of the Conker Room team for the past two years and is dedicated to supporting children's independence, confidence and development through engaging, personalised learning experiences.