Our Curriculum and Approach
At Special Steps, every child is seen as unique. We understand that children develop in different ways and at different speeds, especially those with additional or complex needs. Our curriculum is therefore child-centred, flexible and tailored, shaped around each child rather than expecting children to fit into a set programme. We work closely with families and value parents/carers as partners, recognising that you know your child best.
Communication at the Heart of Everything We Do
Communication and Language sit at the heart of our curriculum, because being able to communicate is essential for learning, relationships, confidence and emotional wellbeing. For some children this means developing spoken language. For others, it may involve signs, symbols, visual supports, objects of reference or communication aids. We value all forms of communication and support children to communicate in the way that works best for them.
By placing communication first, we help children feel understood, reduce frustration and support them to engage more confidently with the world around them. We follow a total communication approach, meaning we use a range of stratergies to support understanding and expression, including:
- Spoken Language
- Symbols and visual cues
- Sign language (Signalong)
- Objects and Songs of reference
- Communication switches
The Unique Child
Every child at Special Steps is an individual, with their own strengths, needs and interests. We take time to get to know each child and their family, using observation and assessment to understand where they are in their development. Learning is planned from each child’s starting point, ensuring activities are meaningful, achievable and motivating. Progress is measured in small steps and every achievement is celebrated, no matter how big or small.
Creating a Calm and Supportive Environment
We know that children learn best when they feel safe, calm and regulated. Our environment is carefully designed to support emotional wellbeing and engagement through:
- Symbols to support understanding and predictability
- Objects and Songs of reference to help with transitions
- Sensory circuits and active play to support regulation and readiness to learn
- Having different spaces that offer different sensory experiences, such as the Playroom, Sensory room and Garden
- Minimalist layout and equipment focusing on purposful play and engagement, without over stimulation
These strategies help children feel secure, reduce anxiety and support positive behaviour.
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Development
We use the Cherry Garden framework to help us understand each child’s development and plan appropriate next steps. This allows us to track progress in small, meaningful ways and tailor support to individual needs. Progress is shared with parents and professionals, ensuring everyone works together to support each child’s journey.
Learn more about Cherry Garden
Word Well
Our Word Well is one of the ways we help children build strong foundations in understanding and expressing themselves. Each week, we focus on one core word, using a consistent sign, symbol, and sometimes even a communication buzzer to support different ways of learning. We bring the word to life through fun, interactive activities — like songs, stories, games, and sensory experiences — so that children can connect with the word in a way that’s meaningful and engaging. To support long-term learning, we revisit the same core words every half term, giving children the chance to practise, build confidence, and embed the language over time.
Our Word Well curriculum helps to:
• Develop early language skills
• Support speech, signing, and symbol use
• Build communication confidence
• Reinforce understanding through repetition and play
• Build on engagment and interactions
By focusing on one word at a time, we make communication accessible, exciting, and achievable for all children — wherever they are on their journey.
How Learning Happens at Special Steps
Learning at Special Steps takes place through play, routines, adult-led activities and child-initiated experiences. Our skilled practitioners model language, follow children’s interests and adapt support in the moment to meet individual needs. Children are supported to develop confidence, independence and curiosity in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
The Impact of Our Curriculum
The impact of our curriculum and approach is that children feel safe, undertsood and valued. By placing communication and relationships at the heart of everything we do, children are supported to express their needs, make choices and develop confidence in their own abilities.
Children make meaningful progress from their individual starting points, developing communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence skills. Every step of progress is recognised and celebrated, helping children to build positive sense of self and a love of learning.
Our inclusive nurturing approach supports children to form positive relationships, engage more confidently with their environment and prepare for future learning and transitions. We strive to empower every child to reach their full potential.
