Curriculum Overview

We have a broad and balanced curriculum offering access to the Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum but modified by school staff to meet the needs of autistic pupils. Emphasis is placed on communication skills, emotional regulation, personal, social and mental well-being.

Springhallow uses specialist strategies and approaches such as SCERTS, Therapeutic Thinking, TEACCH, Makaton, Intensive Interaction, TEAM TEACH and PECS to promote access to the curriculum and skills that benefit autistic pupils and prepare them for their next stages of learning and into adulthood. Significant emphasis is placed on the use of practical and functional activities to promote life skills, independence and community learning.

At Springhallow all of our classes are comprised of mixed groups (e.g. age, ability and social needs). We pride ourselves on adapting the National Curriculum to the individual and create teaching and learning opportunities that meets pupils’ academic and wider holistic needs.

Each phase of the school has a long term plans which ensure that a broad and balanced curriculum is delivered, building on skills over time. Medium Term planning helps us identify the appropriate learning for the pupil, while also allowing us to assess and plan for next steps.

Pupils may be taught in small groups, pairs or individually. All work is differentiated to meet the needs of individual pupils. Active engagment is encouraged by incorporating pupils interests.

All pupils have outcomes from their Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) which relate to: Cognition & Learning; Communication & Interaction; Social, Emotional & Mental Health; Sensory & Physical Needs and Preparation for Adulthood. Teachers collaborate closely with a range of multi-disciplinary professionals to identify priorities for development and specific strategies to achieve these targets. This advice is integrated into the pupils’ education provision.

The curriculum is also supported and enriched by educational visits, career events,  residential opportunities, work experience, travel training and professionals visiting our school (such as, Employment Hub, musicians, artists, actors and sports coaches).

If you have any questions about the curriculum please feel free to speak to your child’s class teacher.