Connex Alternative Provision

As we come to the end of another fantastic term at Connex, we want to take a moment to reflect on some truly special moments and celebrate our incredible learners.

One of the highlights this term was our exciting visit from a real fire engine! The children had the opportunity to explore it in a calm and supported environment, sitting inside the cab, discovering the different tools firefighters use, and seeing their protective uniform up close. They listened brilliantly and made the most of this unique experience.

Alongside moments like this, there has been a real sense of growth and positivity across Connex. With the arrival of spring bringing longer days and brighter skies, our learners have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. They have been developing new skills, supporting one another, and taking brave steps towards their personal goals.

We couldn’t be prouder of everything our learners have achieved this term. Here’s to celebrating their success, recognising how far they’ve come, and looking forward to even more amazing achievements in the term ahead. 🌱✨

✨ A magical week in English! ✨

Last week, our learning was inspired by Harry Potter as we explored new vocabulary, identified key information, and sorted words into nouns, adjectives, and verbs.

Learners had lots of fun writing character descriptions, inventing their own spells, and using expanded noun phrases to make their writing more detailed and exciting.

It’s been wonderful to see such creativity and enthusiasm! 🪄📚

Our learners were delighted by a very special visitor this week — Olaf! ☃️📚

With a warm smile and playful energy, Olaf visited the classes to promote a love of reading and the joy that books can bring ❤️✨ He gathered the learners around and engaged them in an exciting story, bringing the characters to life with expression and enthusiasm 🎭📖

As the story unfolded, learners were surrounded by a colourful display of books, creating a cozy and inviting reading space that encouraged curiosity and imagination. Olaf reminded everyone that books can take us on a truly magical adventure! ✨📚

One pupil even asked, “Can you say hello to Anna and her dad when you go back to Arendelle?” — a moment that made everyone smile 😊💙

We would like to thank all our families for their continued support throughout a wonderful and busy term. We wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable break, and for those who celebrate, a very happy Christmas.

We look forward to welcoming our children and young people back to Connex on Tuesday, 6th January. Please note that Monday, 5th January is a TD Day and we are closed to children and young people.

SPARK @ Connex helps our children and young people with balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills through fun games and activities. We practice using our hands and body in different ways to become more confident, steady, and independent.

Our learners have been having lots of fun and exploring our sensory circuit with a variety of surface textures to help aid with balance and core strength.

🎄Please see a round up of Christmas activities in Swindon 🎄

📢 Our Termly Newsletter is Here! 🎉

We’re excited to share all the latest news, highlights, and upcoming events. From recent achievements to what’s ahead, there’s plenty to catch up on!

👉 Read the full newsletter here: https://www.connex.greenhousecms.co.uk/News/Connex-News-Term-1/

We’d love to hear your thoughts — let us know your reading suggestions in the comments below! 💬

Connex Weekly News - Therapeutic Farm activity

A calm and structured off-site activity which aims to reduce anxiety through nature immersion, increase self-esteem and sense of purpose while promoting emotional regulation. Today we learnt to feed and stroke the alpacas in a safe way.

✨ What a brilliant start to the year at Connex! ✨

We’ve loved welcoming back familiar faces 👋 and meeting lots of new learners 🌟. This term has been all about Safety & Belonging 🏡💙 – building friendships, exploring classrooms, and creating safe spaces together.

🍳 From cooking sausage rolls, brownies & fruit salad to 🏊‍♂️ swimming, 🚴 cycling, 🎾 tennis, 🤸 trampolining, 🐄 farm visits & more – learners have been busy building skills, confidence & friendships.

We’re so excited for the adventures ahead 🚀 and can’t wait to share more of our journey with you! 💫

🌊✍️ Our young people at Connex have been exploring their creativity and learning in amazing ways! They’ve been diving into different writing genres and discovering how to express themselves through their own interests — blending imagination with real-life facts.

Here are just a few fantastic examples of their recent work:
🐢 A seaside-themed acrostic poem inspired by our Senior Pastoral Practitioner's pet turtle
🦀 A fact file all about crabs
📝 A fun "About Me" fact file
🌅 A descriptive piece about a peaceful lake
🛒 An imaginary shopping list based on our class story

We're so proud of their hard work and creativity! 💙

Connex Alternative Provision was proud to attend the Swindon SEND Leaders Conference today, connecting with people passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Together, we’re building brighter futures through inclusive education 💙

We are delighted to announce that BASIS is now part of Connex Group, Brunel's Alternative Provision, which offers a wide range of services to the children and young people of Swindon and beyond.

Check out www.connexap.org.uk for further details.