The Oaklands Centre is expanding. By September 2028, we expect to deliver 32 places across 2 'bases'. Acorns Base will be a dedicated Early Years centre catering for Reception and KS1. The Local Authority is in the process of commissioning a new building for Acorns Base. Oaks Base will continue to cater for KS2. 

There will be 4 classes, each taught by a specialist teacher and supported by 3 specialist TAs. Pupils will benefit, as they do now, from a full-time specialist environment, enhanced by opportunities for mainstream inclusion where that is beneficial and enjoyable for them. 

Acorns 1 

Learning Pathway: Pre-Formal

In Acorns 1, children may be in emergent phases of verbal communication. They will be developing their ability to follow routines and developing independence in the school environment. The children work as a mix of 1:1 and very small groups and are beginning to engage in teacher-led activities. Pupils may have significant sensory needs and may require frequent co-regulation.

Class curriculum endpoints:

• Acorns Stages 4
• Pre-Key Stage Standard 2

The focus is on Prime areas of development: developing shared attention, receptive and expressive language, social communication and self-regulation. The curriculum is delivered through play-based learning and multi-sensory approaches.

Acorns 2

Learning Pathway: Semi-Formal

In Acorns 2, children’s language is more developed. They have some verbal communication and settled methods of communicating their needs and wants. The children can follow school routines with support and are beginning to play and learn with their peers. Children work in small groups and are building their attention within small-group, teacher-led activities.

Pupils may require support for sensory integration. Pupils are beginning to learn to self-regulate.

Class curriculum endpoints:

• YR Early Learning Goals
• Pre-Key Stage Standard 4-5

The focus is on continuing to develop communication and regulation skills while securing the foundations of early reading, writing and maths. The curriculum is delivered through a balance of play-based learning using multi-sensory approaches and ‘subject specific study’ through small group and individual teacher-led lessons.

Oaks 3

Learning Pathway: Semi-Formal/ Formal

In Oaks 3, children communicate primarily verbally with total-communication support. Pupils are beginning to follow a formal timetable of teacher-led, group learning and some pupils may begin to access mainstream curriculum integration where appropriate and beneficial.

Pupils are beginning to meet their sensory needs more independently with some prompting and support. Pupils are practising independent self-regulation strategies.

Class curriculum endpoints:

• Maths NCTM Ready to Progress Year 3
• Oaklands Centre Reading Curriculum Year 3
• Oaklands Centre Writing Step 6

The focus is on developing fluent word reading, transcription skills and securing the mathematical skills in Ready to Progress Year 1-3. The curriculum is delivered through a mix of formal, teacher-led lessons and practical learning activities. Pupils access ‘subject specific study’ and the full range of National Curriculum foundation subjects are taught through the ‘Path A’ curriculum.

Oaks 4

Learning Pathway: Formal

In Oaks 4, children communicate primarily verbally with visual support. Pupils follow a formal timetable of teacher-led, small-class learning. Lessons increase in length as pupils’ attentional skills improve. Some pupils may access increasing mainstream integration where appropriate and beneficial, particularly where they need further curriculum stretch or in preparation for a mainstream Y7 placement.

Pupils are becoming independent in meeting their sensory needs and self-regulation.

Class curriculum endpoints:

• Maths NCTM Ready to Progress Year 6
• Oaklands Centre Reading Curriculum Year 6
• Oaklands Centre Writing Step 12

The focus is on developing comprehension skills, writing effectively for a range of purposes and the mathematical skills in Ready to Progress Year 4-6. The curriculum is primarily delivered through formal, teacher led lessons that reflect the mainstream environment. The full range of National Curriculum foundation subjects are taught through the ‘Path B’ curriculum.