Intent:
The Pre-Formal Pathway is designed for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). The focus is on fostering early awareness and engagement through sensory and experiential learning. Pupils are supported to develop basic responses to stimuli and engage in their environment through highly personalised, sensory-based strategies. The goal is to maximise engagement and form early relationships, promoting communication and physical comfort in a safe, responsive environment. "Engaging the senses and forming early connections is at the heart of supporting pupils with profound learning difficulties." (Imray & Hinchcliffe, 2014)

Implementation:
A multi-sensory environment is key to this pathway, using touch, sound, movement, and visual stimuli to engage pupils. Each activity is tailored to individual sensory preferences and communication methods, encouraging participation and early cognitive and emotional development.

• Cognition and Learning: Sensory stories, cause-and-effect toys, and light or water play promote interaction and early awareness.
• Communication and Interaction: Intensive Interaction, Objects of Reference, and sensory-based methods (e.g., vibrations, sounds) develop early communication responses.
• Physical and Sensory: Rebound Therapy, Sensory Circuits, and therapeutic movement support sensory integration and physical comfort.
• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health: Yoga, massage, and consistent routines help to build trust and emotional expression.

Impact:
Pupils experience improved sensory responses and develop early communication and social skills, creating a foundation for meaningful relationships and self-expression. The sensory-rich environment fosters active engagement, leading to progress in cognitive and social development as well as emotional regulation.

Intent:
The Informal Pathway builds on the foundations of sensory awareness and early communication, promoting exploration and awareness of the environment. This pathway introduces more structured engagement, encouraging pupils to express preferences, make choices and demonstrate basic communication skills, preparing them for increased interaction with the world around them. "Providing opportunities for choice and preference expression encourages engagement and lays the groundwork for communication." (Nind, 2008)

Implementation:
While using sensory-based learning, the Informal Pathway includes greater emphasis on communication and functional skills. Activities are designed to encourage independent exploration and response fostering a connection with the environment.

• Cognition and Learning: Pupils engage with Attention Autism, the Curiosity Programme and multi-sensory play to stimulate engagement and curiosity.
• Communication and Interaction: PECs, Intensive Interaction, and Objects of Reference promote early communication and interaction. Songs and rhymes reinforce consistent responses.
• Physical and Sensory: Flexibounce, Rebound Therapy, and Sensory Circuits build on physical development while continuing to address sensory processing needs.
• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health: Structured play, yoga, and massage support social interaction, emotional regulation, and a sense of security.

Impact:
This pathway leads to greater independence in communication and social interactions. Pupils develop early functional communication skills and begin to engage more meaningfully with their peers and the environment. Progress in sensory awareness and basic communication supports further independence and prepares pupils for more structured learning experiences.

Intent:
The Semi-Formal Pathway aims to provide structure while maintaining flexibility for pupils to continue developing early cognition, communication and life skills. The focus is on promoting independence through practical, hands-on experiences, with an emphasis on functional communication, early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. "Providing structured but flexible learning opportunities promotes both independence and engagement in SEND pupils." (Douglas et al., 2017)

Implementation:
The pathway combines structured routines with opportunities for play-based learning, fostering engagement and skill development across the following areas:

• Cognition and Learning: Pupils engage in problem-solving and sensory-based tasks, using Attention Autism, task analysis and multi-sensory learning to promote cognitive development.
• Communication and Interaction: Interactive approaches, including PECs, Colourful Semantics, and alternative communication systems, support communication skills.
• Physical and Sensory: Activities like Flexibounce, Balanceability, and Sensory Circuits promote physical development and sensory tolerance.
• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health: Structured play, yoga and massage foster social skills, emotional regulation, and well-being.

Impact:
The Semi-Formal Pathway enables pupils to make measurable progress in communication, independence, and social skills. Pupils gain confidence in their ability to engage with others, solve problems, and participate in both academic and social settings. The pathway prepares them for more academic learning in the next stage, offering more structured learning experiences that still consider their developmental needs.

Intent:
The Formal Pathway focuses on pupils who are working within or close to the National Curriculum, adapting content to ensure accessibility for SEND pupils. This pathway develops literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills, preparing pupils for future independence and social engagement. The goal is to support pupils in making academic progress while promoting functional independence and social skills. "Adapting the curriculum ensures that SEND pupils are able to access meaningful and challenging learning experiences." (Ofsted, 2019)

Implementation:
This pathway integrates both academic and practical tasks, with the National Curriculum adapted to meet individual needs.

• Cognition and Learning: Pupils progress through an adapted National Curriculum, with individualised targets in core subjects like English, Maths, and Understanding the World. Problem-solving, communication, and social interaction are key components.
• Communication and Interaction: Tools like PECs, Attention Autism, Colourful Semantics, and Speech and Language Therapy support advanced communication skills.
• Physical and Sensory: The pathway includes Flexibounce, Sensory Circuits, and fine/gross motor skill development to support physical independence.
• Social, Emotional, and Mental Health: Yoga, Mood Busters, and Circle Time build emotional resilience and social connections.

Impact:
The Formal Pathway leads to significant academic and social progress, with improvements in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. Pupils develop the skills necessary for academic success, independence, and positive social interactions. The flexible approach ensures that each pupil receives the appropriate level of support to achieve their individual goals, fostering resilience and a greater sense of self-confidence.