Smallbrook School provides day school placements for students aged between 7 and 19 with a range of complex needs.
About Our Students
- All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are identified as highly likely to require one following assessment.
- Students are placed by local authorities across the UK and live within a reasonable travelling distance of the school.
- Many students have previously experienced challenges in education due to their needs not being fully understood or supported.
- We have a strong track record of re-engaging students and rebuilding confidence in learning.
- Students benefit from high levels of support, with teaching groups of up to four students.
Personalised Support
- Every student receives an individualised approach tailored to their needs, strengths, and aspirations.
- Staff regularly review and adapt support strategies through collaboration with curriculum leaders and the pastoral team.
- Learning is informed by each student’s EHCP outcomes and personal goals.
- Personalised interventions and pastoral support are available to all students.
Our Curriculum Pathways
Pathway 1: Vocational and Life Skills
This pathway focuses on:
- Developing independence and life skills
- Practical, hands-on learning experiences
- Functional skills and personal development
- Preparing for further education, employment, or training
- Real-world application of learning
Pathway 2: Academic and Vocational
This pathway supports students to:
- Access a broad range of academic subjects
- Achieve recognised qualifications
- Maximise academic outcomes
- Prepare for post-16 education, including college and higher-level study
- Complement academic learning with vocational opportunities
- Both pathways maintain high expectations and equal opportunities for all students.
Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum is designed to:
- Inspire curiosity and a love of learning
- Nurture personal development and wellbeing
- Build knowledge, skills, and character
- Support academic, social, and emotional progress
- Recognise each student’s unique starting point
- Prepare students for success in a changing world
Curriculum Delivery
Our curriculum is personalised and:
- Addresses gaps in learning through regular review and repetition of key concepts
- Emphasises experiential, sensory, and practical learning
- References the National Curriculum
Learning experiences include:
- English and Communication
- Mathematics and Functional Numeracy
- Science – Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Technology – ICT, Media Studies, Digital Functional Skills and Esports
- Humanities and Social Studies – PSHE, Citizenship, Geography, History, RE and RSE
- Physical Education – PE, Outdoor Education and Forest School
- Creative Arts – Art, Music, Drama, Design Technology, Catering, Hair and Beauty
- Therapeutic Learning – Sensory activities and social-emotional development
Specialist Staff and Therapeutic Support
- Our staff are trained to deliver a therapeutic and nurturing curriculum.
- We work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, including:
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Psychotherapists
- Mental Health Professionals
- A dedicated therapy assistant supports students and the wider therapy team.
- Students can access both group and one-to-one therapeutic interventions.
- Strong partnerships between home and school ensure consistent support.
High Aspirations for Every Student
We aim to help every student:
- Reach their full potential
- Develop independence and problem-solving skills
- Build confidence for adulthood
- Make meaningful connections across their learning
- Achieve their personal and academic goals
- Staff regularly engage in professional development to enhance teaching practice and create cross-curricular learning opportunities.
Vocational Learning
Our vocational curriculum helps students:
- Develop practical, real-world skills
- Build confidence and independence
- Explore future career pathways
- Prepare for further education, apprenticeships, and employment
Students gain experience through:
- Practical workshops
- Enterprise projects
- Work-related learning
- Community-based opportunities
- Work placements where appropriate
Key employability skills include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Reliability
- Resilience
Physical Education and Outdoor Learning
Our Physical Education and Outdoor Education program:
- Promote healthy, active lifestyles
- Develop physical skills, confidence, and resilience
- Encourage teamwork and personal responsibility
- Provide opportunities for outdoor challenges and practical learning
- Support lifelong habits of health and wellbeing
