Building the foundations for learning, communication and independence
The Bespoke Foundations Curriculum is designed for students with autism, global developmental delay and complex communication, sensory and regulation needs. It provides a highly personalised curriculum that recognises that every student develops and learns in their own way.
Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, Bespoke Foundations brings learning together through meaningful experiences, play, sensory exploration, communication, relationships and real-life opportunities. Students are supported to develop the foundational skills they need to engage, participate, communicate, regulate and become increasingly independent.
Small steps matter. A student may be developing their ability to attend, anticipate, communicate a choice, tolerate a new experience, join a shared activity, complete part of a routine or use a skill in a new environment. All of these are important steps in a student’s learning journey.
Across the curriculum, communication, emotional regulation and independence are woven into every learning opportunity, rather than being taught as separate areas. This ensures that learning remains purposeful, accessible, ambitious and meaningful for each individual student.
Our Five Curriculum Strands
The Bespoke Foundations curriculum is organised into five interconnected strands. Together, these provide the framework for developing the whole student and supporting their learning, wellbeing and preparation for life beyond school.
🧠 Cognition and Learning
Students develop attention, thinking, exploration, problem-solving and early academic skills through meaningful, sensory-rich experiences. This includes Maths, Phonics, Literacy and opportunities to develop understanding through play and real-life experiences.
💬 Communication and Interaction
Students are supported to communicate their wants, needs, choices, thoughts and feelings using their individual communication methods. Core words, AAC, visuals, signing, shared attention, Bucket Therapy, Sensology and responsive adult interaction provide rich opportunities for communication throughout the day.
🏃 Physical and Sensory Development
Students develop body awareness, movement, sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills and physical confidence. PE, Sensory Circuits, Bikes and Trikes, Play Park, Fine Motor activities and Sensory Cooking provide opportunities to explore and develop these skills.
❤️ Social, Emotional and Mental Health
Students are supported to feel safe, build relationships, understand and communicate their emotions, develop confidence and regulate their bodies and emotions. Forest School, PSHE, emotional regulation and creative experiences provide meaningful opportunities to develop these skills.
🌱 Preparing for Adulthood
From the earliest stages, students develop the communication, independence, self-care, choice-making and community skills they need for everyday life. This includes Functional Independence, Brush Bus, early careers awareness and meaningful experiences within the wider community.
One curriculum, many individual journeys
Although the curriculum is organised into five strands, they are never taught separately. A single experience might develop communication, physical skills, emotional regulation, independence and early cognition all at the same time.
Our aim is for every student to experience connection, success, curiosity and joy in learning, while building the foundations they need to participate as fully and independently as possible in school, at home and in their wider community.
