Curriculum at The Haefen
A relational, therapeutic approach to learning
At The Haefen, our curriculum is designed to help children re-engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and develop the emotional and social foundations they need to flourish.
Many of our pupils arrive having experienced disruption, anxiety, trauma or barriers to education. Our curriculum responds to this by placing relationships, regulation and readiness to learn at its heart.
We provide a broad and balanced curriculum, informed by the National Curriculum, but carefully adapted to meet the developmental, emotional and individual needs of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Learning at The Haefen is purposeful, structured and aspirational, while remaining flexible, nurturing and responsive to each child.
Our Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum aims to:
- Help pupils feel safe, secure and ready to learn
- Rebuild positive relationships with education
- Develop emotional literacy, resilience and self-awareness
- Enable meaningful academic and personal progress
- Prepare pupils for successful transitions to their next setting
Progress at The Haefen is understood holistically, academically, socially, emotionally and developmentally.
How Learning Works at The Haefen
Our curriculum is:
- Child-centred, shaped around individual strengths, needs, and EHCP outcomes
- Stage-not-age informed, pupils progress when ready, not by comparison
- Therapeutic and trauma-informed, recognising the impact of lived experience
- Structured but flexible, providing consistency alongside responsiveness
- Relationship-led, strong adult connections underpin all learning
Teaching approaches are adapted daily to support engagement, regulation, and success.
Curriculum Structure
The Haefen curriculum is organised into a number of learning pathways that support both academic learning and personal development:
- Linguistic
- Mathematical
- Scientific
- Technological
- Human & Social
- Aesthetic & Creative
- Physical Development
- Learning Beyond the Classroom
- Unique Me
Using Our Local Environment
The Haefen is located in a unique rural setting, and our surrounding environment plays an important role in supporting learning across the curriculum. Wherever appropriate, subjects are taught using the natural environment, local community and outdoor spaces to provide meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
Whether exploring habitats in science, applying mathematics through practical projects, developing descriptive language in literacy, or learning teamwork through outdoor activities, pupils are regularly given opportunities to learn beyond the traditional classroom.
This approach helps increase engagement, deepen understanding and support pupils’ emotional regulation and wellbeing.
Our Subject Areas
Linguistic (Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening)
We develop confident communication and a love of language through carefully structured speaking, reading and writing experiences. Learning is matched to developmental readiness, supporting pupils to express themselves clearly and build confidence as communicators and learners.
Using a stage-not-age approach, pupils develop literacy skills from their individual starting points, building confidence and success over time.
Mathematical
Mathematics at The Haefen focuses on strong foundations, reasoning and real-life problem solving. Teaching is calm, supportive and low-pressure, helping pupils build confidence, perseverance and enjoyment in maths at their own pace.
Learning is adapted through our stage-not-age approach, ensuring pupils develop secure understanding before moving forward.
Mathematical Progression Document
Scientific
Science is taught through curiosity, hands-on enquiry and practical exploration. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, investigate the world around them and build understanding through meaningful, memorable experiences.
Learning supports curiosity, resilience and confidence in exploring new ideas.
Scientific Progression Document
Technological
Our technological curriculum supports pupils to design, make and problem-solve through purposeful projects. Learning develops practical skills, creativity, resilience and teamwork, while building pride in creating something real and meaningful.
Projects are often linked to real-life challenges so pupils can see the purpose of what they are creating.
Technological Progression Document
Human & Social
This subject helps pupils understand themselves, their communities and the wider world. Through history, geography, religion and social learning, pupils develop empathy, identity, respect and a sense of belonging.
Learning encourages pupils to understand their place in society and the importance of positive relationships.
Human & Social Progression Document
Aesthetic & Creative
Creativity plays a vital role in expression, wellbeing and confidence. Pupils explore a wide range of creative opportunities including art, music, drama and movement, developing self-expression through hands-on, multi-sensory learning.
Creative experiences provide safe ways for pupils to communicate ideas, emotions and identity.
Aesthetic & Creative Progression Document
Physical
Physical education supports pupils’ physical development, coordination, confidence and emotional regulation. Activities are inclusive and supportive, promoting teamwork, enjoyment of movement and healthy habits for life.
Physical activity also supports wellbeing, resilience and readiness to learn.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Learning beyond the classroom is a central part of life at The Haefen.
Pupils regularly take part in outdoor and experiential learning opportunities including environmental exploration, outdoor education, visits and practical projects.
These experiences support emotional regulation, resilience and confidence while helping pupils apply their learning in meaningful real-world contexts.
Learning Beyond the Classroom Progression Document
Unique Me Framework (Personal, Social and Emotional Learning)
Our Unique Me Framework supports pupils to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, relationships and independence.
This helps pupils understand themselves, manage feelings, build positive relationships and develop the life skills needed for future success.
Unique Me focuses on six key areas:
- Knowing Myself
- Positive Relationships & Belonging
- Ambition & Aspiration
- Life Skills & Independence
- Emotional Regulation & Resilience
- Physical & Mental Wellbeing
SMSC and British Values
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development is embedded throughout life at The Haefen.
Pupils are supported to develop values, identity, respect and responsibility through daily experiences, learning opportunities and relationships.
British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, are promoted through pupil voice, restorative practice and inclusive learning experiences.
This includes different cultures and religions across the world.
Assessment and Progress
Assessment at The Haefen is ongoing and purposeful.
We use a range of approaches to understand progress, including observation, learning over time, pupil voice and EHCP outcome tracking.
Assessment is used to inform next steps, celebrate progress and adapt learning, ensuring every pupil can succeed and make meaningful progress.
Preparing for the Future
Our curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for what comes next, which may include:
- Reintegration into mainstream education
- Transition to another specialist setting
- Increased independence and emotional regulation
- Improved confidence and engagement as learners
Our aim is that every pupil leaves The Haefen with the skills, confidence and resilience needed for their next stage of learning and life.
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