Opportunity Class

I have mentioned taking Owen to Opportunity Class a few times, But I don't think I have ever explained what it is.



"Opportunity Class is an educational provision for pre-school children with special educational needs."

"Opportunity class offers play-based Learning. Each child has an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) which are targets which are aimed to be met and are regularly reviewed."

The best thing about it is that Florence has been made an unofficial member of the class.
 As it is focused on sensory and educational play based learning it will do nothing but further help her to flourish. Florence loves it and has grown in confidence while attending. Although she and Owen are the smallest and youngest members, Florence is the one of the most adventurous and cheeky.

During each session a full programme of play experiences is set up, which is then tailored to each child attending.

         For example they started with some messy play, one week this was shaving foam. Owen enjoyed this and seemed to love the feeling of the foam in his hands allowing his fingers to relax for a while. Florence too loved this, But she was more interested in eating it and when I tried to move her hands from her mouth decided to just go face down with mouth wide on to a plate full of it open into it.. yum???
 we quickly moved to the crayon where she tried again to eat them. But did sit and play with a shape sorter for a while before wanting to escape.
the following week it was Jelly which she much preferred.

Owen meanwhile did some work with some switches (big buzzer type buttons which either themselves make a noise or light up or are pressed to activate a toy) He is almost getting the idea of pressing the button to make a reaction. (cause and effect)

After all that hard work Owen likes to go and chill in the sensory den, which has lovely colour changing fibre optic lights which are safe enough to pull about and even chew.

After play it is snack time, then free play, song time then home time.


Outside professionals also come along, for instance a physiotherapist may come and work with a child or children or do a group session or speech therapist may come and work. Opportunity Class is also linked to the advisory teacher service.


Each class is run by a qualified teacher and a nursery nurse who have undergone specialised training and have had experience of working with children with special educational needs.
In our case our class is run by two highly professional but so so lovely and caring ladies Lynne and Jo. Lynne started out as a primary school teacher and Jo as a children's nurse.

I find in going to Opportunity class a great sense of support. Not only are you given information on local services and support groups but it is nice to meet other parents and carers who truly understand your unique situation.