At Hedgewood, our curriculum develops pupils’ communication, independence, critical learning behaviours, and functional life skills.

 

We follow four curriculum phases, each tailored to individual needs—whether pupils are working on early developmental skills or accessing the National Curriculum at an appropriate level. This phased approach ensures targeted teaching, with flexibility to move children across phases as their needs change.

Every child has a Personal Learning Plan (PLP), shaped by their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and ongoing evidence-based assessments. PLPs address unique learning barriers and set personalised goals, helping pupils build purposeful, meaningful skills. Parents and carers are key partners in this process, working with teachers to achieve the best outcomes.

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Curriculum Maps & Planning

We have clear curriculum maps for each subject that maps for all provision across all phases. These curriculum plans provides all phases with a clear sequence and progression for knowledge and skills- moving from simple to more complex concepts over time as pupils move through their learning journey. The curriculum plans highlight the important vocabulary building in each subject.

• Curriculum Maps outline progression of knowledge and skills across all phases,  starting from Early Years to Adapted National Curriculum

• Long-term plans set yearly topics.

• Medium-term plans show termly coverage.

• Short-term lesson plans are adapted daily to meet individual needs.

• PLPs act as a mid-term strategy, ensuring each child’s learning is personalised and responsive.

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Assessment & Achievement

We use a range of assessments to help identify and understand the specific challenges our pupils face in their learning. These tools support us in recognising individual needs and enable us to plan targeted support to help pupils build learning to learn skills specifically for  communication and interaction. The outcomes of these assessments are used to inform each child's Personal Learning Plan (PLP), ensuring that their learning remains purposeful, personalised, and focused on key areas of development. The PLP targets are linked directly to EHCP outcomes.

 

	Pre-Phase 1 and Phase 1	Phase 2 and Phase 3
Curriculum Maps	Working from Early Years to Adapted National Curriculum
Curriculum Assessment	Early Steps	Progression Steps
Barriers assessment	Necessary 9 and VB MaPP	VB MaPP and Autism Progress

The Curriculum Assessment

We value every small step as progress. Our rigorous assessment system ensures learning is meaningful and personal. Teachers follow the “Assess, Plan, Do, Review” cycle, ensuring provision evolves to meet changing needs.

We assess pupil learning using Connecting Steps, a programme that allows us to track progress over time in a way that reflects each child's individual journey. Connecting Steps aligns with our Curriculum Maps to ensure that teaching and assessment reflect each other with coherence and continuity. Children in Pre-Phase 1 and Phase 1 are assessed against Early Steps, while those in Phase 2 and Phase 3 are assessed against Progression Steps. Teachers input assessment data into Connecting Steps every half-term, allowing us to monitor progress closely, inform planning, and respond promptly to pupils' emerging needs.

Engagement	The pupil is beginning to take part in the activity. They may need adult support and show some interest or awareness, but they are not yet consistently responding or using skills independently.
Gaining Skills & Understanding	The pupil is developing their knowledge or skills and starting to show more consistent responses. They may still need support but they are beginning to understand and apply what they are learning.
Mastered	The pupil can use the skill or knowledge independently and confidently. They show secure understanding and are able to apply it in different contexts with minimal support.

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Monitoring & Parent Engagement

• Progress is formally reviewed twice yearly and shared at Parent Consultation Evenings

• Teachers record learning using Seesaw, giving parents real-time updates through photos, videos, and comments.

• Annual EHCP reviews with parents and professionals.

• Pupil Profiles covering communication, independence, and wellbeing.

• Centralised tracking tools (B-Squared and our bespoke Hedgewood Assessment Tool) help staff monitor progress and plan next steps

This comprehensive, person-centred approach ensures every pupil can access, engage, and succeed.