Building a Curriculum for Children with Complex Needs
Placing Communication at the Heart of the School

CATHS-C A curriculum based on assessment

 A curriculum designed solely for children with complex learning disabilities.

 

Aim of CATHS-C

Children with complex learning disabilities deserve a curriculum that is tailored to meet their needs to learn to communicate and understand the world they live in. The goal is for deep and meaningful learning as opposed to splintered skills.

 

Principles

CATHS-C recognises:

• that children with complex needs need a unique curriculum.

• the link between communication and cognition.

• that when children are engaged, they are learning.

• rehearsal and repetition of skills is essential if they are to be truly embedded.

 

Positives for teachers

We acknowledge every class is different and that teachers must be able to plan for their own groups.

 

CATHS-C equips teachers to use their knowledge of their children and their classroom dynamics to teach engaging lessons.

CATHS-C starts with assessment so teachers know the baseline and starting point. The pace of the curriculum is led by the individual child’s learning.

 

CATHS-C:

• Recognises the importance of knowing the children well.

• Gives teachers the tools to use critical thinking when looking at other curriculum initiatives.

• Encourages creative and flexible teaching.

• Values reflective teaching.

 

More about CATHS-C

The curriculum provides all of the information required to set up and support children in the classroom.

 

A truly joined up approach, everything links and is based on assessment.

 

• Assessment for individuals leads to personalised plans

• How a personalised plan is incorporated into classroom teaching

• Using the bands to group children and plan classroom activities

• Foundation objectives guide what is taught. A small number of broad, meaningful objectives which lay firm foundations for further learning

• Advice on pedagogy for each developmental band

• Topics keep learning fresh and exciting while supporting the repetition and rehearsal of skills

• Guidance on continuous provision

• Advice on lesson planning to ensure activities are exciting and engaging activities for children at different developmental bands

 

In the classroom

CATHS-C subject areas for each band and how they link to the National Curriculum. Click HERE.

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