Curriculum

A Purposeful Curriculum for Pupils with SEMH and SEND

At ED:SUCCESS Independent School, our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and other SEND whose experiences of education have often been disrupted.

We believe that learning is most effective when pupils feel safe, understood and supported. Our curriculum therefore combines academic learning, personal development and regulation support, enabling pupils to re-engage with education and make meaningful progress.

The curriculum meets the requirements of the Independent School Standards and is delivered through a stage-not-age approach, recognising that pupils progress at different rates depending on readiness, regulation and confidence.

Curriculum Aims

Our curriculum aims to:

• Re-engage pupils with learning through calm, predictable routines

• Support emotional regulation and wellbeing alongside academic development

• Build confidence, resilience and independence

• Provide access to appropriate qualifications and outcomes where suitable

• Prepare pupils for future education, training or reintegration pathways

Stage-Not-Age Curriculum Model

ED:SUCCESS operates a stage-not-age curriculum, meaning pupils are placed according to their current readiness to learn rather than chronological age alone.

Progression between stages is flexible and informed by:

• Baseline assessment

• Ongoing formative assessment

• Emotional regulation and engagement

• EHCP outcomes (where applicable)

• Professional judgement and pupil voice

This approach allows pupils to experience success, build confidence and move forward at a pace that is right for them.

Core Curriculum Subjects

All pupils access a broad and balanced curriculum, adapted to individual needs. Core subjects include:

• English – reading, writing, communication and literacy development

• Mathematics – functional numeracy, problem solving and confidence with number

• Science – delivered where appropriate, with a focus on curiosity, understanding and application

Learning is carefully scaffolded, with high expectations balanced by appropriate support.

Personal Development, PSHE and SMSC

Personal development is a central part of the ED:SUCCESS curriculum.

Pupils access:

• PSHE and RSHE, delivered in a trauma-informed and age-appropriate way

• SMSC education, promoting values such as respect, responsibility and understanding of others

• Opportunities to develop self-awareness, emotional literacy and social skills

These elements support pupils to develop the skills needed for adulthood, relationships and wider society.

Reading and Communication

Reading is prioritised across the school.

We support pupils to:

• Develop confidence and fluency in reading

• Improve comprehension and vocabulary

• Rebuild positive relationships with books and learning

Our Reading Strategy ensures that reading is taught explicitly and embedded across subjects, with support matched to individual need.

Enrichment and Wider Learning

The curriculum is enriched through activities that build confidence, engagement and life skills.

Enrichment opportunities may include:

• Creative activities

• Physical activity and wellbeing

• Practical learning experiences

• Personal interest projects

Enrichment is purposeful and supports pupils’ personal development and readiness to learn.

Assessment and Progress

Assessment at ED:SUCCESS is formative, proportionate and individualised.

We focus on:

• Progress from individual starting points

• Engagement and readiness to learn

• Development of regulation and independence

• Academic progress where appropriate

Progress is reviewed regularly and shared with parents, carers and commissioning bodies.

SEND and Individualisation

As a specialist SEMH school, SEND is embedded across all aspects of the curriculum.

Provision is:

• Informed by EHCP outcomes where applicable

• Adapted to meet individual learning and regulation needs

• Reviewed regularly to ensure effectiveness

Reasonable adjustments are made to ensure pupils can access learning safely and equitably.

Preparing for the Future

Our curriculum supports pupils to prepare for their next steps, which may include:

• Continued education

• Training or vocational pathways

• Supported reintegration where appropriate

Transitions are carefully planned and supported in partnership with families and professionals.

A Curriculum with Purpose

At ED:SUCCESS Independent School, our curriculum is not about rushing pupils through content.
It is about building regulation, confidence and belief, so that learning becomes possible again.

We provide structure, care and challenge — helping pupils to re-engage, progress and move forward with confidence.

You can access copies of curriculum schemes of work here.