At Rosebank, we believe that every child deserves a meaningful, ambitious and enjoyable start to their education. Our Early Years curriculum is carefully designed around the individual needs, strengths and interests of children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), while reflecting the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

We recognise that every child develops differently. Our ‘Stage Not Age’ approach means that all children of Early Years age begin their learning journey within our Early Years provision, but children may remain in the class beyond the typical EYFS age if they have not yet developed the skills, understanding, communication, independence or readiness needed for the next stage of their learning. Children may also work at different stages across different areas of the curriculum. This allows us to provide the right level of challenge and support, without lowering expectations, and ensures children can progress at their own pace.

Our curriculum combines the principles of Development Matters, Birth to 5 Matters and the Neuroinclusive Education Network (NEN) Framework, alongside each child’s individual EHCP outcomes. This provides a broad and balanced curriculum that develops communication, independence, social and emotional understanding, physical development, early literacy and mathematics, understanding of the world, and creativity.

Communication is at the heart of everything we do. We use a Total Communication approach, supporting children to communicate in the way that works best for them through speech, signing, symbols, objects of reference, visual supports and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). We place a strong emphasis on building relationships, shared attention, engagement and the confidence to communicate and make choices.

Learning is play-based, practical, sensory and highly personalised. Children learn through meaningful experiences, exploration and interaction, with opportunities to follow their interests and develop their skills across different contexts. Our curriculum includes rich sensory experiences, music and singing, stories, creative activities, outdoor learning and real-life experiences.

Developing independence and life skills is an important part of our Early Years provision. Throughout the day, children are supported to develop skills such as feeding, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene, making choices, managing transitions and participating in their school and wider community.

Our Early Years curriculum is organised around two broad stages: Early Discovering and Early Developing. Children can work at different stages across different areas of learning, allowing teaching and experiences to be precisely matched to their individual developmental needs.

Above all, we want our children to feel safe, valued, understood and successful. We work closely with families, recognising the importance of their knowledge and understanding of their child. Together, we celebrate every achievement, however small, and provide children with the foundations they need to develop confidence, independence, communication and a lifelong love of learning.