The Pavilion

At Queens Manor, we are commissioned by the Local Authority to provide 20 additional places in our Specialist Autism Base, known in our school as The Pavilion.

Curriculum Overview and Aims

The Pavilion is our specialist autism provision for children from Reception to Year 6 who require a bespoke learning environment and personalised curriculum based on individual strengths and needs in order to thrive. The curriculum is carefully adapted to meet each child's tailored needs, balancing the development of communication, social, emotional and life skills alongside academic learning.

Our aim is to ensure that every child is at the centre of a broad, varied and engaging learning experience. We strive to:

• Develop communication, language and social interaction skills.
• Support emotional wellbeing, self-regulation and positive mental health.
• Foster independence, confidence and self-esteem.
• Enable children to engage meaningfully with learning and the wider world.
• Promote fine and gross motor development.
• Prepare pupils for future education, lifelong learning and active participation in their communities.
• Help children develop the knowledge, skills and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.

Stages of Learning

Children in the Pavilion access learning pathways which are tailored to their developmental stage and individual needs. Our informal curriculum supports children with significant communication, sensory and developmental needs who benefit from a highly personalised and sensory-based approach to learning. Learning is guided by the Engagement Model and focuses on:

• Exploration
• Realisation
• Anticipation
• Persistence
• Initiation

The Engagement Model – Department for Education

Children learn through play, sensory experiences, adult interaction and meaningful everyday activities.

As children develop greater communication, regulation and learning readiness skills, they move onto our semi-formal curriculum. This is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and Development Matters guidance, whilst continuing to address individual EHCP, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy targets.

Some children in the Pavilion also access a formal curriculum based on the expectations of the National Curriculum and may participate in learning opportunities within mainstream classes where appropriate.

Curriculum Areas of Learning

The Pavilion curriculum provides a broad, balanced and engaging range of learning experiences with communication at its heart.

Areas of learning include:

• Communication, Language and Literacy, including Writing Development, Early Reading and Phonics
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development, including Life Skills
• Physical Development
• Expressive Arts and Design

Learning is delivered through a three-year cycle of engaging topics and real-life experiences which help children make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them.

Specialist Support

The Pavilion benefits from a multi-disciplinary approach, ensuring children receive specialist support that is integrated into their daily learning.

Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)

A dedicated Speech and Language Therapist works closely with staff, children and families to:

• Assess communication needs.
• Develop individual communication systems.
• Support Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
• Deliver targeted interventions.
• Help children achieve EHCP communication targets.

Examples of interventions include Colourful Semantics, Lego Therapy and turn-taking groups.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

An Occupational Therapist supports pupils' sensory processing, motor development and independence skills through:

• Sensory circuits
• Fine motor activities
• Sensory regulation programmes
• Food exploration
• Individual sensory strategies and recommendations

This support is embedded throughout the school day.

MIND Mental Health Autism Specialist

Queen's Manor also works alongside a MIND Mental Health Autism Specialist who supports emotional wellbeing, anxiety management, resilience and positive mental health for autistic children and their families. Through staff consultation, individual support and collaborative working, this specialist input helps ensure children's emotional needs are understood and effectively supported.

The Pavilion Environment

The Pavilion is a purpose-built specialist building designed to provide a calm, low-arousal environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn. It is a SCERTS-aligned environment specifically designed indoors and outdoors to support:

• Communication and language development
• Social interaction and cooperative play
• Physical development
• Gross and fine motor skills
• Exploration and sensory learning

Facilities include:

• Specialist purpose-built classrooms
• A sensory room, soft-play room and dedicated life skills room
• Engaging outdoor learning area
• Structured TEACCH workstations
• Quiet spaces for regulation and reflection
•  Children have access to a range of specialist resources to support sensory regulation and development, including: tricycles and trampolines, therapy balls, weighted blankets, spinning cushions, oral regulation tools, ear defenders and bespoke visual supports and communication aids.

Enrichment

At Queen’s Manor we believe that every child should enjoy a rich and memorable primary education, regardless of need or background. See our Enrichment Offer here.

Life Skills

Children in the Pavilion access a bespoke life skills curriculum designed to develop independence and resilience, self-care skills, community awareness, communication in real-life situations and real-life problem solving.

Useful Information and Websites

SCERTS

Little Wandle SEND Phonics

National Autistic Society
 
Autism Education Trust

Hammersmith & Fulham Inspire Hub

Hammersmith & Fulham Autism Information for Parents and Carers

MIND

NHS Autism Information