Poplar Base: Junior School

Children up to the age of 11 are educated within the Poplar Base which currently caters for children from Y3 to Y6. Within Poplar the key person for a child is their class teacher and in ERS these are supported by LSAs and, where necessary, specialist input.

Pupils in the Poplar base are taught within our purpose-built Cedars building which has 5 classrooms around a large central space and with dedicated space for the therapists who work with the children. Poplar base also has its own playgrounds and a field which are used for breaktimes and sports activities. Pupils have the use of playground equipment, but there are also quiet spaces to sit for those pupils who prefer them.

Poplar provides a small, calm environment in which staff can provide effective support for pupils’ individual needs and strengths. Children are taught in small classes to ensure that teachers get to know the children well and are able to provide support for their pastoral and learning needs. Teaching and support staff also work closely with therapists and specialist teachers to ensure that pupils’ needs are met and that barriers to learning are understood and addressed. In addition to this integrated provision, pupils also receive individual and/or group specialist provision according to their needs.

Pupils have regular opportunities to experience the senior school setting throughout their time in Poplar, which means the prospect of transition to year 7 is less daunting for them. Specialist subject teachers lead lessons in a number of areas of the curriculum, such as Music, Drama and PE. Poplar pupils are also familiar with many areas and facilities in the main part of the school, including the school halls, dining room, drama studio, music rooms, ICT suites and others.

Poplar pupils who will be moving into year 7 at ERS are additionally provided with further transition opportunities involving senior school staff and a separate Open Morning is also held for ERS Y6 parents to see the whole school, and to learn something about the way of working in the Senior School ahead of their child’s transition.