Our Curriculum

Curriculum Intent

The Topaz Pathway supports learners in Years 1–6 who are at the earliest stages of development and may present with complex needs. Children follow a non-subject specific, thematic curriculum that prioritises:

• Regulation before expectation

• Connection before communication

• Engagement before task

• Early communication

• Social and emotional development

• Cognitive foundations for learning

• Engagement, exploration and sensory experiences

Learning is delivered through continuous provision, play, and multisensory approaches, enabling children to explore the world using their sensory and physical capabilities. Relationships with familiar adults are central, helping children develop trust, communication and confidence.

The Amethyst Pathway offers a highly adapted National Curriculum within a whole school thematic approach. It introduces early subject specific learning while maintaining flexibility and a strong focus on:

• Communication and cognition

• Emotional wellbeing and understanding of self

• Forming and sustaining relationships

• Repetition, overlearning and generalisation of skills

• Learning through play, functional activities and real-life experiences

Children access continuous provision and outdoor learning, with activities designed to build resilience, independence and readiness for future learning.

The Sapphire Pathway provides a more subject specific curriculum, including English, Maths, Science and the foundation subjects, delivered through engaging, practical themes. It focuses on:

• Developing key National Curriculum skills

• Building independence and life skills

• Strengthening communication and social understanding

• Consolidating and applying learning in meaningful contexts

Learning builds on prior knowledge, enabling children to make progress at their own pace while preparing them for the next stage of education and life.

The Emerald Pathway provides a nurturing, communication-focused and highly personalised Early Years curriculum for children in EYFS. Learning is child-centred and built around individual interests, developmental needs and EHCP outcomes, ensuring every child is supported to achieve their full potential.

The pathway focuses on:

• Developing communication, language and social interaction skills

• Promoting confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing

• Providing meaningful, play-based and multi-sensory learning experiences

• Supporting children to develop early literacy, numeracy and physical skills

• Fostering curiosity, exploration and a love of learning

• Building strong partnerships between home and school

Communication is at the heart of the provision, with a whole-school approach that uses a range of strategies tailored to individual needs, including Makaton, PECS, Intensive Interaction, AAC, visual supports and structured language programmes. Children learn through a balance of adult-directed activities and child-initiated play, supported by skilled adults who scaffold learning and encourage exploration.

The curriculum is delivered through creative topics, high-quality texts, sensory experiences, educational visits and real-life learning opportunities. A stimulating indoor and outdoor environment promotes physical development, problem-solving, resilience and independence.

Children's progress is carefully monitored through ongoing assessment, observations and personalised next steps. Strong transitions, consistent routines and close collaboration with families and external agencies ensure that children leave the Emerald Pathway as happy, confident and engaged learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.