Curriculum Overview

Overview

Westcroft School has accommodation for 180 pupils with complex cognitive educational needs.

The age range of pupils admitted to Westcroft is from rising five age up to nineteen years of age.

The school has five departments:

• Reception – Year 2 Phase 1
• Year 2 – 6 – Phase 2
• Year 7 –  9 Phase 3
• Year 10 – 11 Phase 4
• Post 16 – Phase 5

School Organisation

We currently have 6 classes in phase 1 & 2. Pupils are set in these classes according to age and ability. The classes are mixed year groups; there is a maximum of 12 pupils in each class.

In phases 3 & 4 the pupils are arranged in tutor groups which are based on their ability within the phase with an average of 12 pupils in each tutor group. In both phases pupils are broadly streamed on their ability in core subjects whilst taking their social development into consideration.

Post 16 pupils are organised as a whole however, they are split into two distinct teaching groups.

Staff Expertise

All teaching is carried out by staff who are experienced in teaching children with learning difficulties, subjects specialists work across the whole school. We have a full time Speech, Language and Communication Technician along with a full time  Behaviour Mentor who work with individuals or groups and provide staff support as required. Staff are kept up to date with training through the school CPD programme, outside agencies or training course providers.

Assessment

Our assessment tool within school is Solar and this helps us to monitor small steps of progress.

At the start of each academic year, staff use previous knowledge of the child to begin baseline assessment. Within the first 6 weeks an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is drawn up which is a direct result of an evidence gathering exercise, it is then shared with parents. These IEPs are monitored and revised termly.

The Individual Education Plan is where learning priorities are focused

As well as termly IEPs pupils will have an annual review of their EHCP in which a yearly report is written and shared with all key stakeholders. There are opportunities for parents’ discussions in the Autumn and Summer Terms when parental engagement activities are held.

Approaches to Teaching

The majority of pupils will have their needs met through normal classroom arrangement and appropriate differentiation. Phonics is delivered through all phases where appropriate.

Teachers are encouraged to take a practical, active and creative approach to teaching. Where different approaches are needed this will form part of the pupil’s IEP.