Essential Foundations

Promoting independence and learning is underpinned by five essential strands for life and learning, which are integral to the whole curriculum and school day.

Communication

Communication is incorporated into every area of the curriculum and is one of the four essential areas which underpin all learning. The school promotes a range of strategies including visual supports, objects of reference, PECS, signing and spoken language to meet different communication needs and ensure that all pupils can communicate their needs, wants, opinions and thoughts.

Learning Skills

Teaching skills for learning is fundamental to children’s growth and continued independence. Across the curriculum children are taught the skills required to be able to acquire knowledge and take care of themselves.

Social Skills

Opportunities to develop social skills are threaded throughout the school day to enable pupils to develop an awareness of self and others and build relationships. Social skills are also taught through planned opportunities to develop social awareness and an understanding of simple social rules.

Independence Skills

Self-help skills are taught through learning experiences that are both planned and spontaneous, such as eating, drinking, personal care routines, dressing and undressing. Practising and developing these skills foster individuals’ dignity and independence.

Health and Wellbeing

Health and wellbeing are such important elements of development for our students. It is all about looking after the mind as well as the body.  It encompasses a range of different topics including elements from Life Skills, physical development and RSHE.