The Pod is a specialist day provision for six Key Stage 2 learners with complex needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) differences. All learners have an Education, Health and Care Plan and are placed via the West Berkshire SEN Panel. The Pod offers a low-demand, high-engagement therapeutic environment where emotional wellbeing is prioritised to enable learners to make progress in a supported, inclusive environment with trained staff. Staff use consistent routines, positive behaviour strategies, and personalised interventions to ensure leaners feel safe and ready to learn. Teaching is adaptive and responsive, informed by ongoing assessment and EHCP targets.
Curriculum Offer
The curriculum is ambitious but delivered through an adapted and personalised approach. Termly topics are designed to provide access to the National Curriculum through a four-year rolling programme covering Years 3 to 6. These topics are broad and flexible, acting as a vehicle for delivering foundation subjects while embedding a strong SEMH focus. Each topic identifies clear outcomes for knowledge acquisition and progression of skills, ensuring learners can apply learning across different contexts. The curriculum is sequenced to build knowledge cumulatively and revisit key concepts regularly, supporting retention and mastery.
Mathematics is taught through a one-year rolling programme revisited annually, with each term divided into short, manageable blocks covering Number, Shape, Space and Measures, and Statistics. This approach ensures breadth and depth while allowing for overlearning and consolidation. Literacy is embedded across the curriculum, with a strong emphasis on reading. The Pod uses the ‘Monster Phonics’ programme to secure early reading and spelling development, alongside targeted interventions to raise attainment and close gaps. Writing and communication skills are developed through cross-curricular opportunities and personalised support. The curriculum will be delivered through six learning areas.
Personal Development and Wellbeing
Learners’ Personal Development is central to the curriculum and Personal, Social, health and Economic (PSHE) education underpin the SEMH provision. It follows the PSHE Association’s three core themes—Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World—while incorporating compulsory health education. The programme is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe and healthy, develop resilience, and prepare for life beyond school. Year 6 children receive age appropriate ‘Growing Up’ education in the summer term. Enrichment opportunities, including input from external providers to broaden learners’ experiences and promote cultural capital.
Careers Education is introduced through attending an annual iCollege Careers and Community event alongside the high-quality software program ‘Unifrog.’