4-7 Early Years & Infants Curriculum
The Early Years and KS1 curriculum sets out to ensure students develop ‘ready to learn’ skills through a fun, child centred approach.
By the end of KS1 every child aims to:
- have an identified functional communication system individualised to their needs
- understand a simple instruction from a familiar adult in a familiar context with appropriate supports
- have a stage appropriate level of independence with their self-care
- engage with sensory regulation activities to manage their sensory needs
- demonstrate joint attention
- engage in an adult led activity
- transition from one activity to another with appropriate levels of staff support
- be able to learn and play alongside their peers with support as required
The above skills are developed through topic based schemes of work delivered through a combination of play based learning and structured adult led activities. These activities are then supported by interventions such as Attention Autism, PEIC-D, Intensive Interaction and Tac Pac. Where appropriate the school uses the Read, Write, Inc phonics programme.
The impact of the Early Years and KS1 curriculum is monitor through Tapestry learning journeys and EHCP reviews.
7-11 Primary School Curriculum
Students progress to Portfield School’s Primary phase between the ages of 7 and 8 and the emphasis at this stage of their education is on the National Curriculum and in developing key skills for learning. Students engage in a topic-based learning inspired by the national curriculum, with access to a range of enrichment opportunities and therapeutic support.
The individual interests of each student are used effectively to help them develop key skills in English and Mathematics.
Our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) works closely with classrooms in primary and across Portfield School to ensure the whole learning journey is underpinned by expert therapeutic practice.
11-16 Secondary School Curriculum
Secondary students access a curriculum designed to promote and develop their independence. All students are engaged in enterprise projects to enable them to use their maths and English skills in a range of practical, real life contexts. Students work towards accreditations in Functional Skills, ASDAN and Duke of Edinburgh. They have access to a varied enrichment programme. Students benefit from the support of our Careers Team to encourage them to think about how they want to progress.
Preparation for Adulthood outcomes underpin the teaching to provide opportunities for students to gain as much independence as possible.
15-19 Sixth Form Curriculum
Students in our Sixth Form engage in a broad and balanced curriculum that includes Functional Skills in English and mathematics, creative and practical learning, RSHE, and wellbeing-focused provision. Learning is highly personalised, with a strong emphasis on developing skills that support independence, confidence, and readiness for adult life.
Our multidisciplinary team works closely with each student and their family to identify individual strengths, interests, and aspirations. Together, we set personalised long-term goals and carefully plan clear, achievable steps to support progress towards them.
Vocational learning is student-led, with learners actively involved in selecting vocational pathways that reflect their interests, abilities, and future aspirations. As a result, our curriculum is dynamic and continually evolving, shaped by student voice and responsive to changing needs and ambitions.
Combined with Preparation for Adulthood outcomes (Employability, Independent Living, Community Inclusion, and Health and Wellbeing), purposeful work experience, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, this approach enables students to develop independence, build self-esteem, and progress towards positive and aspirational destinations in further education, training, employment, and the community.