Being

Being Pathway – Curriculum Overview

The Being Pathway is designed for our youngest learners, who learn best through exploration, sensory experiences and play. The pathway is built around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and is carefully adapted, so every child can make progress, whatever their starting point. Children on the Being Pathway follow an exciting, topic-based curriculum that combines indoor and outdoor learning, hands-on experiences and opportunities to develop independence, communication and confidence.

We remove barriers by planning flexibly and responsively — lessons are constantly adapted to meet the individual needs of our children, including those with sensory, physical or communication needs. A multi-sensory approach ensures every child can access learning in a way that suits them. Alongside this, pupils receive personalised interventions such as Attention Autism, Intensive Interaction, Precision Teaching, Thrive, Squiggle While You Wiggle and communication-focused support to help close learning gaps.

Thematic Learning

Children on the Being Pathway learn through a rolling programme of exciting, meaningful themes which bring the curriculum to life, including:

Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
All About Me	Seasons	Traditional Tales		Growing	Under the Sea
I’m Special!	Changes	Magical Mayhem!	People Who Help Us	Life on the Farm	What a Wonderful World!
Ourselves	Celebrations	Animal Antics	Space	Dinosaurs	Around the World in 6 weeks!

The highlighted row indicates the current long-term topics which is then broken down to support the needs of the children.

These themes help children develop curiosity, imagination and real-world understanding. Each topic is carefully planned to weave in all areas of learning and includes sensory experiences, outdoor play, real-life exploration, stories, songs, creative arts and problem-solving.

Areas of Learning

Children’s progress is tracked across the seven EYFS areas which are built into every planning sequence:

Communication, Interaction and Language

Children develop listening, attention, understanding and speaking skills in their preferred method of communication. Staff model language constantly through play, stories, songs, symbols, visuals and signing. Pupils learn to communicate needs, build vocabulary and take part in meaningful interactions with adults and peers.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Children learn to recognise feelings, build relationships, manage emotions and develop independence. We support turn-taking, sharing, self-help skills, understanding routines, confidence and resilience. Emotional well-being is promoted through Thrive and myHappymind approaches, helping children feel safe, happy and ready to learn.

Physical Development

This area includes both gross motor and fine motor skills. Children explore climbing equipment, wheeled toys, dance, outdoor play and movement to build strength, coordination and balance. Fine motor skills develop through playdough, threading, mark-making, tools and construction, forming the foundations needed for writing and self-care.

Literacy

Learning begins with a love of stories, songs and rhymes. Children explore books, handle them with interest, recognise familiar words and develop early comprehension. As they progress, they take part in shared reading, learn phonics, practise mark-making and begin to form letters, labels and simple sentences.

Mathematics

Maths is taught through real-life experiences such as counting at snack time, building with blocks, puzzles, number rhymes and play activities. Children develop number sense, counting, sorting, comparing, early addition and subtraction, and begin to recognise shapes, patterns, size, position and measure.

Understanding the World

Children learn about themselves, their families, community, nature and the wider world. They explore animals, seasons, weather, celebrations and the natural environment through outdoor play, sensory exploration, visits, planting and hands-on activities.

Expressive Arts and Design

This includes music, dance, imaginative play, crafts and using a range of creative materials. Children experiment with colour, texture and movement and learn to express themselves through art, music, small world play and role-play linked to their topic.

How Progress is Measured

We use a bespoke Being Pathway assessment tool, based on EYFS and Development Matters. Each child is baselined on entry and assessed throughout the year using small, progressive steps. Progress is seen in even the smallest achievements and every child has personalised goals linked to their EHCP and termly targets.

What Makes the Being Pathway Special?

✔ Flexible, responsive planning
✔ Full inclusion through multi-sensory learning
✔ Indoor and outdoor continuous provision
✔ Highly personalised interventions
✔ Communication and emotional well-being at the heart of every lesson
✔ Learning through fun, purposeful play