Semi-Formal  Pathway

Children within the Semi-Formal pathway are still in the early stages of their learning and  development. They will be working between Phase 3 and 6 in the White Ash Progression document and the curriculum is delivered through a broad, balanced, creative and multisensory approach. The areas of learning are taught through themes and topics and are designed to enable children to learn about the world around them in a semi formal way.  Teaching them the essential skills and concepts required to make progress and achieve greater  independence.

Developing the use of functional expressive communication, through a holistic approach is central to learning. Children are encouraged to engage and form secure relationships with adults to support their engagement in adult-led activities, whilst promoting independence. Behaviour for learning is also essential and staff use consistent strategies for each individual learner to support them to be in a sensory and emotionally regulated state ready to learn.

Our Semi-Formal curriculum places an emphasis on developing:

Communication - whether this be verbal or non-verbal. Developing purposeful and meaningful communication that enables learners to communicate simple messages effectively with peers and adults.

Early English and Maths - skills to promote our children to practice actions and interactions that are a part of daily life. With practise, they’ll become more confident with these tasks, meaning that they’ll be better prepared for   independent living and contributing to society.

Life skills - to promote independence throughout everything they do to encourage our children to become as  independent as possible in all  aspects of their lives.

Physical Skills - both gross and fine motor to enable pupils to become as independent as possible in daily activities. Promoting self-regulation and emotional awareness.

Behaviour for Learning - to ensure all our children have the skills to act  appropriately in a range of social situations, awareness of safe and  appropriate relationships and they have the skills to understand social interactions.

The world around me - giving the children the opportunities to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology, and the  environment.

Science - through activities that encourage every child to explore, problem solve, observe, predict, think, make decisions and talk about the world around them.

PHSE - through a wide range of learning opportunities and experiences to promote qualities, attitudes, knowledge and understanding to stay safe, healthy and prepared for life's opportunities.