Our curriculum

Discover how our unique curriculum nurtures every child, fostering a love of learning and holistic growth at Oak & Ash Learning Centre.

Tailored learning for every child

At Oak & Ash Learning Centre, our curriculum is carefully designed for primary-aged children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), recognising that every child learns differently. Rather than expecting children to fit a traditional curriculum, we adapt learning to meet each child's strengths, interests, and individual needs, enabling them to experience success, rebuild confidence, and develop a genuine love of learning.

Our ambitious curriculum combines high-quality academic teaching with therapeutic, practical, and outdoor learning experiences. Children follow personalised learning pathways that focus on both academic progress and the wider skills needed to thrive in school and life. Alongside English, mathematics, science, and the wider curriculum, equal importance is placed on communication, emotional wellbeing, independence, resilience, social interaction, and self-regulation.

A distinctive feature of Oak & Ash Learning Centre is the integration of Forest School and nature-based learning into our educational approach.

Outdoor learning and forest school

Outdoor learning and Forest School are not simply enrichment activities at Oak & Ash Learning Centre, they are integral to our curriculum and underpin the way we support children to learn, grow, and thrive. We believe that many children with SEND learn best when they are actively engaged, moving, exploring, and making meaningful connections through real-life experiences.

Every child participates in regular Forest School sessions, led by qualified practitioners, where learning is child-centred, experiential, and responsive to individual interests and needs. These sessions take place throughout the year, allowing children to experience the changing seasons, build a connection with nature, and develop confidence in an ever-changing environment.

Outdoor learning is carefully linked to classroom learning, creating meaningful opportunities to apply and deepen knowledge across the curriculum. Literacy comes alive through storytelling around the campfire, nature-inspired writing, and developing communication skills through collaborative outdoor tasks.

Our goals for every child

At Oak & Ash Learning Centre, our ambition is to help every child rediscover a love of learning and develop the confidence, skills, and resilience they need to thrive, both in education and in life. We understand that many of the children who join us have experienced barriers to learning, disrupted education, or have lost confidence in themselves and school. Our curriculum is designed to change that.

We measure success not only through academic achievement but also through the personal growth that enables children to engage positively with learning and the world around them. By the time a child leaves Oak & Ash Learning Centre, we aim for them to have made meaningful progress in every aspect of their development.

We want every child to leave us with:

  • A renewed confidence in themselves as learners, believing that they can achieve and overcome challenges.
  • Improved emotional wellbeing and self-regulation, with strategies to understand and manage their emotions, build resilience, and cope with adversity.
  • Enhanced communication and social interaction skills, enabling them to form positive relationships and participate effectively in their communities.
  • A strong foundation of academic skills, tailored to their individual needs, preparing them for future learning pathways.
  • A deep connection to nature and an understanding of their role in caring for the environment.