At Lime Academy Hornbeam, we deliver a person-centred, sequenced curriculum that is broad and provides meaningful experiences for learners with special educational needs and disabilities. As a result, barriers to learning are removed and every learner has the opportunity to build valuable skills and knowledge which support them for their next steps when they leave school. We have high aspirations for each of our learners, who are supported to reach their full potential. Our curriculum is underpinned by three core principles that we believe are fundamental to the development of our learners:

Communication

We recognise that empowering our learners with the ability to express themselves and understand those around them is fundamental to their development. We understand that communication will look different to each learner and provide opportunities for this to be fostered and developed across the curriculum.

Independence

Providing learners with the skills, knowledge and confidence to be as independent as possible is at the heart of everything we do. Independence means different things to different learners and so we recognise, encourage and celebrate every step towards independence.

Emotional Regulation and Wellbeing

We understand that in order for learners to engage and achieve, they must be supported to understand and manage their emotions. We embrace the unique role we play in creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment where learners feel safe and happy.

We are committed to providing a holistic and inclusive education that empowers students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to develop essential life skills, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Our school offers a tailored curriculum that combines elements of the national curriculum with a strong emphasis on personal development, community engagement, and experiential learning. We believe that every child deserves a meaningful and enriching education, and we are dedicated to supporting our learners in their unique journeys towards independence and well-being.

Curriculum Themes

The thematic curriculum promotes high quality learning through engaging contexts. Where appropriate it is sequenced to provide a clear framework of progression in skills and knowledge to equip children for the next stage of their education. Each school follows a thematic cycle which changes termly or half-termly depending on the pathway of the learner.

Pathways Overview

At Lime Trust we have three pathways: Pre-formal, Semi-formal and Formal. Learners are placed on a pathway following a robust transition process. This is determined by a triangulation of evidence about the individual. This is collected from families and agencies working with the learner alongside a selection of appropriate assessment tools.

Within each pathway, learners may have needs relating to cognition and learning; social, emotional, and mental health; communication and interaction; sensory and/or physical; or a combination of needs.

Learning is personalised for everyone depending on their interests, abilities, age and developmental stage. The expectations of all our learners are ambitious. A rich curriculum is delivered consisting of academic programmes, life skills and preparation for the future as appropriate to each pathway.