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 pupils with autism. Emphasis is placed on communication skills, personal and social development and behaviour management.

Specialist approaches to teaching pupils with autism, such as SCERTS, Positive Behaviour Support strategies, TEACCH, Makaton and PECS are used. Significant emphasis is placed on the use of visual information and practical activities to help our pupils learn.

At Springhallow all of our classes are comprised of mixed year groups with a range of abilities. We pride ourselves on adapting the National Curriculum to the individual and teaching at the level that is appropriate to them.

Each phase of the school has a long term topic plan which insures a broad and balanced curriculum is delivered. Our subject progress grids are used to help 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.

In addition to curriculum targets, all pupils have outcomes from their Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) which might relate to communication, personal and social development, behaviour, home, occupational or speech therapy or flexibility of thought.

To support their learning in a wider context, pupils are taken out regularly to visit and practise their skills in the local community. Pupils may walk, travel in the school minibus or use public transport to visit parks, shops, museums and galleries. The curriculum is also supported and enriched by visiting 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.