Our school offers a universal, inclusive curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Rooted in nurturing principles and trauma-informed practice, our approach ensures that every child feels safe, supported, and valued. We focus on creating a learning environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, with a curriculum that is flexible, personalised, and designed to help them progress at their own pace. By addressing both their academic and personal development, we prepare our students for the next steps in life, whether that’s continuing their education, entering further training, or transitioning into employment.

Ready to Learn

Many of our pupils join us following a period of disruption or difficulty in their education, making re-engaging them in learning a central focus of our curriculum. By offering opportunities that are carefully aligned with their individual needs, as outlined in their EHCPs, and designed to capture their interest and imagination, we aim to foster a positive, supportive learning environment where pupils feel both included and valued. This extends beyond the classroom and academic subjects, providing opportunities to enhance their cultural and social capital through experiential learning.

We understand that for our pupils to succeed, they must first be ready to learn. The SEMH needs of our students often present significant barriers to this, so we adopt an approach that integrates the Six Principles of Nurture and trauma-informed practices, acknowledging the lasting impact of early trauma on development. At the heart of this approach is the development of strong, trusting relationships, grounded in Carl Rogers' work and the principle of unconditional positive regard

All pupils can access;

• English and Maths – Students' progress from KS2 skills through to Entry Level, Functional Skills, and GCSE qualifications. 

• We Are Noise – Each class participates in a term at this creative provision in Blackburn, where students develop musical skills in DJing, instrumental performance and podcasting 

• Personal Development – Delivered through our PSHE curriculum, which also incorporates Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). 

• Boxall Interventions – Strategies designed to support emotional regulation and social skill development in the classroom. 

• Photography – An external specialist teaches students how to connect photography with literacy. 

• Small Group Learning – High staff-to-student ratios ensure tailored support and engagement. 

• Reading Time – Dedicated reading sessions every afternoon. 

• Read Write Inc. Curriculum – A structured phonics programme to support literacy development. 

• Phonics Catch-Up Programme – Targeted intervention to strengthen foundational reading skills. 

• Sensory Breaks – Regular opportunities for students to self-regulate and refocus. 

• Unconditional Positive Regard & Nurture Principles – A supportive, relationship-based approach to learning and behaviour. 

• Lego Therapy – A structured intervention to develop communication and social interaction skills. 

• Shine Speech and Language Therapy – Specialist support to enhance communication skills. 

• Individual Student Passports – Developed collaboratively with students and parents, including personalised risk assessments. 

• Day Sheets & Reward System – Students earn points for daily and weekly rewards, promoting positive engagement. 

• Zones of Regulation – Each classroom integrates this system, enabling students to check in with their emotions throughout the day. 

• Forest School - Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils have access to Forest School, a long-term, structured programme that provides frequent and regular sessions in a woodland environment.

This comprehensive offer ensures that every student at Maple receives the support, structure, and opportunities needed to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.