Our school offers a universal, inclusive curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Rooted in nurturing principles and trauma-informed practice, our approach ensures that every child feels safe, supported, and valued. We focus on creating a learning environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, with a curriculum that is flexible, personalised, and designed to help them progress at their own pace. By addressing both their academic and personal development, we prepare our students for the next steps in life, whether that’s continuing their education, entering further training, or transitioning into employment.

Ready to Learn

Many of our pupils join us following a period of disruption or difficulty in their education, making re-engaging them in learning a central focus of our curriculum. By offering opportunities that are carefully aligned with their individual needs, as outlined in their EHCPs, and designed to capture their interest and imagination, we aim to foster a positive, supportive learning environment where pupils feel both included and valued. This extends beyond the classroom and academic subjects, providing opportunities to enhance their cultural and social capital through experiential learning.

We understand that for our pupils to succeed, they must first be ready to learn. The SEMH needs of our students often present significant barriers to this, so we adopt an approach to support our learners. We use a range of trauma-informed practices, acknowledging the lasting impact of early trauma on development. At the heart of this approach is the development of strong, trusting relationships, grounded in Carl Rogers' work and the principle of unconditional positive regard

All pupils can access;

• Foundational English - Our English curriculum covers Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening and takes students through our assessment continuum from Emerging through to Secure+. Our curriculum offer intends to prepare all students for Functional Skills qualifications but recognises that our children can access a range of qualifications from Entry Level Certificate, Entry Level Functional Skills, Functional Skills and for some students GCSE English Language.

• Foundational Maths – Our foundational maths curriculum is focussed on the essential information that students need to function in life beyond school. Our curriculum is designed to develop skills for life and the maths curriculum covers key aspects of this.

• Foundational Science – Our foundational science curriculum is focussed on not only covering key processes and understanding within Biology, Chemistry and Physics but also on inspiring children to want to pursue scientific understanding and experimentation.

• Personal Development – Delivered through our PSHE curriculum, which also incorporates Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). 

• Physical Development – Our physical development offer is a cyclical curriculum which covers movement and emotional regulation, fundamental movement skills, confidence and safe participation, personal challenges and turn taking.

• Thrive – The Thrive approach is a dynamic, developmental and trauma-sensitive approach to meeting the emotional and social needs of our students. It is through this that we aim to achieve the vision of a world in which children’s social and emotional needs are better understood and met.

• Life & Learning – Our themed approach to learning means that life and learning sessions offer the opportunity to study Digital life skills, Design & Technology, Creative Art, Cooking, RE and Social & Community Participation.

• Enrichment – Every afternoon contains an enrichment offer for our children. This allows them to access new skills and develop their social and emotional skills through a range of activities.

• Small Group Learning – High staff-to-student ratios ensure tailored support and engagement. 

• Reading Time – Dedicated reading sessions every morning.

• Read Write Inc. Curriculum – A structured phonics programme to support literacy development. 

• Phonics Catch-Up Programme – Targeted intervention to strengthen foundational reading skills. 

• Sensory Breaks – Regular opportunities for students to self-regulate and refocus. 

• Unconditional Positive Regard & Nurture Principles – A supportive, relationship-based approach to learning and behaviour. 

• Specialist Therapies– This includes Lego therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and input from on site Educational Psychologists.

• Individual Student Passports and Personal Regulation Plans – Developed collaboratively with students and parents, including personalised risk assessments. 

• Day Sheets & Reward System – Students earn points for daily and weekly rewards, promoting positive engagement. 

• Zones of Regulation – Each classroom integrates this system, enabling students to check in with their emotions throughout the day. 

This comprehensive offer ensures that every student at Maple receives the support, structure, and opportunities needed to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.