Our ‘Fundamentals learners’ are those pupils with severe learning difficulties and/or complex needs, who need an individualised approach to learning. The pupils will typically have a range of overlapping needs, for example, social communication difficulties, attentional difficulties and/or medical needs. The curriculum is available to pupils across all key stages dependent on need .

Pupils accessing the Fundamentals curriculum are predominantly working within the Engagement Model (pictured below). The curriculum is planned around the 4 areas of need, with a core focus on supporting pupils in developing social communication skills. An adapted continuous prevision model is in place, with learning activities planned through a thematic approach. Pupils may access aspects of the Foundations curriculum where appropriate.

Our aim of the Fundamentals Curriculum is to provide personalised, holistic, broad, balanced and relevant learning experiences which equip and engage pupils with a range of knowledge, skills and understanding.

- Support pupils to become confident communicators across a range of settings  

- Promote personal, social emotional and cultural development 

- Develop functional adaptive life skills to promote independence  

- Promote active involvement in community experiences and provide cultural capital

Aspects of this curriculum uses a range of methods and approaches best suited to the pupils learning and development needs including:

- Multisensory approaches  

- Experiential learning  

- Concrete learning opportunities 

- Small step learning approaches with opportunities for practise in a range of everyday contexts 

Pupils accessing this more personalised curriculum reflects pupils’ specific needs, interests, motivations and aspirations. The starting point for their personalised   journey is based on the outcomes derived from their Education Health and Care Plans. Following initial assessment, pupils have a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) which drives all aspects of curriculum delivery. PLPs are updated termly and each student is expected to complete 3 PLP cycles within their Annual Review period on a rolling schedule (although this may not always follow the academic year).

We aim to support those pupils who are able to access subject specific lessons in the wider school at a developmentally appropriate stage. Decisions to support a pupil to access the wider school curriculum are based on a range factors, e.g. academic ability, attentional skills, communication skills and being socially and emotionally ready to take next steps 

 

Our Fundamentals Curriculum will:

✓ Develop positive social relationships, within school, home and the wider community 

✓ Develop a range of social, communication, interaction and practical skills, empowering

✓ pupils to become active learners and members of their community 

✓ Develop life skills and everyday functional literacy and numeracy skills 

✓ Develop confidence and celebrate pupil achievements 

✓ Enable pupils to communicate their likes and dislikes, feelings, hopes and aspirations for the future 

✓ Develop skills to make friends, make active choices and develop a sense of belonging within the wider community  

✓ Develop safe and healthy lifestyles