There is nothing that is more rewarding than seeing the pupils grow and develop throughout the academic year.

Key Stage Manager 

Introduction 

The primary focus of Key Stage 2 is to develop each child’s enjoyment and confidence in learning, building the skills they need to support their future learning. Our approach to learning is based on the early years foundation stage (EYFS) curriculum. In recognising and understanding that children learn and engage best through play-based learning, exploration, and practical experiences.

The three main areas we focus on for Key Stage 2 are:

“I love how when pupils first start with us their experience of education is often quite negative and we are able to support them in understanding that school can be fun, positive and they can learn!”

Curriculum Pathways

“I like how learning is completed in many different ways and how we can find learning in every little thing we do.”

Orange Pathway has a strong emphasis on pupil engagement and readiness for learning, particularly those who require daily support in communication, physical development, medical care, and sensory needs. The curriculum taught focuses on developing communication and language skills, emotional regulation and on key early learning skills reading, communication and functional maths. Learning is delivered in a child-led approach, promoting regular practical and multisensory opportunities.

We do this with:

Green Pathway focuses on learning through experience, developing resilience, perseverance, independence and overall readiness to learn. The curriculum supports the development of emotional regulation skills, developing resilience with learning and accepting challenges, particularly in reading, communication and functional maths. Learning is delivered using a play-based approach, promoting regular practical, multisensory and social opportunities.

We do this with:

Pink Pathway is a bespoke curriculum approach aimed at building acceptance and engagement in learning. The curriculum is tailored to the individual needs of each pupil and supports pupils to become classroom ready.  Pupils on this pathway may have had negative school experiences and may have been absent from school for extended periods. We’re here to support them every step of the way.

We do this with:

Teaching approach

“FNS allows self-confidence and self-esteem building to be at the forefront of all we do.

We teach emotional wellbeing and emotional regulation, it’s important to us, and we understand, you can’t learn until you’re happy.”

Learning in Key Stage 2 is delivered following the engagement model approach, a curriculum designed for children that are not yet able to engage in the subject specific content of the National Curriculum. The engagement model approach promotes children learning through child-led, play-based experiences.

In Key Stage 2, we use Attention Autism, known as ‘bucket’, which is an approach that supports the development of concentration skills, shared attention, and communication skills, including listening and taking turns. It provides pupils with shared experiences that are exciting, motivating, and worth communicating about. The approach helps pupils to understand and respond to structured and adult directed routines. 

Pupils in Key Stage 2 also take part in circle time to develop communication skills and emotional literacy. Pupils in orange pathway also use Talk Time, teaching pupils how to use communication strategies such as PECS, signing or developing motor oral skills.

School clubs and trips

“The clubs give them confidence, their worlds are very small to start with when they join here, and they become part of the school community and feel safe and supported.” – Assistant Headteacher.

Our lunch time clubs and playtime offer encourage pupils to play and enjoy interactions with one another.  Pupils have access to football club, the library area and a range of outside activities.

Throughout the year, opportunities for trips following the curriculum and key topics are built in, using real life purposeful experiences. We try to make learning as purposeful, practical, and enjoyable as possible, building real life experiences throughout the year, from walking to shops or posting a letter.

A favourite date with staff and pupils is our annual celebration event at the end of every academic year. As a Key Stage 2 community, all staff and pupils will visit local places such as the zoo or dinosaur park. It’s a wonderful day for everyone!