Department Lead:  Magdalena Klodzinska

The Treetops department consists of five Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 classes with a range of complex needs including Autism, Speech, language and communication needs, Social, emotional, physical and sensory related difficulties.

We follow Equals semi-formal curriculum which is personalised to our students' needs. Alongside the curriculum, we also work on Education Health & Care Plan targets. Teachers plan exciting and engaging activities according to students’ individual abilities, interests and learning journeys. Communication skills, physical development, independence and life skills are the key areas we focus on in our classrooms. To enhance independence living skills, pupils practise personal care routine, prepare simple meals, go shopping or travel training. Our curriculum is highly differentiated and focuses on delivering a wide range of experiences, including extra-curriculum activities, with an emphasis on improving the mental health and wellbeing of our young people. To help our pupils to thrive, we work closely with their families and a range of professionals, such as the Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers or medical professionals. Through working together, we have a better understanding of each pupil’s needs and strengths.  Building positive relationships is of paramount importance, and we work with determination and commitment to develop these relationships. This joint approach allows us to secure the best outcomes for all young people in our department.  

We pride ourselves on the excellent practice and approaches we use to help our students overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential. Our practice is research based and involves the use of autism-specific strategies such as SCERTS, Total communication, Sensory Integration and Low Arousal, to name a few. The SCERTS ethos is embedded into our department, our approach to learning and the activities we plan for the students.  Through this approach we are able to develop the children’s communication skills, support their regulation and transitions, which help our pupils to understand their day and what is expected of them at school. Predictability, consistency and routines, so important to our students, enable them to enjoy and engage in their learning.

I hope you are inspired to know more about us. We are based at the Cressex site. We are looking forward to seeing you there.