Our Curriculum
“Understanding People”
Understanding People Through Learning
Welcome to the Bridgelea Primary School Curriculum.
As a specialist Primary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, we recognise that every child’s journey is unique. Our curriculum has been carefully designed to help children succeed academically, socially and emotionally, while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for the next stage of their education and beyond.
At Bridgelea, our vision of “Understanding People” sits at the heart of all we do. Through our nurturing, rights-respecting and communication-friendly approach, we help children understand themselves, understand others and understand the world around them.
Our curriculum is built on the foundation of our school values:
| Children’s learning is understood developmentally. We all learn in our own way. | The classroom offers a safe base. Our school helps us to feel safe to learn and take risks. |
| Language is a vital means of communication. We learn to listen and use words to talk about our feelings and share what we think. | The importance of transition in children’s lives. Everyone has changes in their life and nurture helps us to learn how to cope with these changes. |
| All behaviour is communication. Our behaviour is telling you something. | The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing. Nurture helps us feel good on the inside and understand our feelings. |
Our Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum is built around three interwoven strands:
- Nurture
- Rights
- The Playbook Curriculum
Together, these create an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that supports children to thrive.
We want every child to:
- Feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
- Develop a positive sense of identity and belonging.
- Achieve success across the curriculum.
- Build resilience, confidence and self-belief.
- Learn how to manage emotions and relationships.
- Understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities.
- Develop the skills needed for lifelong learning and future success.
- Become active citizens within their local and global communities.
We believe learning happens best when children feel secure, connected and understood.
Nurture at the Heart of Learning
As a National Nurturing School, the Six Principles of Nurture underpin our curriculum, environment and relationships.
We understand that:
Children’s learning is understood developmentally
Every child arrives with different experiences, strengths and challenges. We meet children where they are and provide carefully planned support to help them move forward.
The classroom offers a safe base
Strong relationships provide the foundation for learning. Our classrooms are calm, predictable and welcoming environments where children feel secure enough to take risks and succeed.
Language is a vital means of communication
We teach children to develop the language needed to understand themselves, express their feelings and communicate effectively with others.
All behaviour is communication
We seek to understand what children are communicating through their behaviour and respond with curiosity, empathy and support.
Transitions matter
We recognise the significance of change in children’s lives and carefully support transitions into, through and beyond Bridgelea.
Nurture supports wellbeing
Emotional wellbeing is central to successful learning. We teach children how to recognise, understand and regulate their emotions.
The Playbook Curriculum
Our curriculum is brought together through the Bridgelea Playbook.
The Playbook defines the essential knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that we want every child to develop during their time at Bridgelea.
Alongside academic achievement, the Playbook focuses on the development of Manchester’s Skills For Life
Communication
Learning to express ideas, feelings and opinions confidently and appropriately.
Self-Belief
Developing confidence, resilience, aspiration and a positive sense of self.
Self-Management
Building emotional regulation, independence, organisation and accountability.
Teamwork
Learning to collaborate, lead, support others and work towards shared goals.
Problem Solving
Developing curiosity, creativity and the ability to overcome challenges.
These skills are explicitly taught, modelled and celebrated across all areas of school life and are embedded within our curriculum, enrichment opportunities and therapeutic approaches.
A Rights Respecting Curriculum
Bridgelea is proud to be a Gold Rights Respecting School.
Children’s rights, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), are embedded throughout our curriculum and culture.
Our curriculum helps children:
- Understand their rights.
- Respect the rights of others.
- Develop their voice and influence.
- Build empathy and compassion.
- Become responsible local and global citizens.
Pupil voice is central to school improvement through:
- School Council
- RRSA Ambassadors
- Class Charters
- Pupil Reviews
- Consultation Activities
- Leadership Opportunities
Children learn that their views matter and that they can make a positive difference in their community.
Elklan Lnaguage Friendly School
We are proud to be an Elklan Communication Friendly Setting.
Communication underpins everything we do.
Staff use a range of evidence-informed strategies including:
- Visual supports
- Communication-friendly classrooms
- Processing time
- Structured language approaches
- Vocabulary development
- Explicit teaching of emotional literacy
By supporting communication, we help children access learning, build relationships and understand their emotional experiences.
Curriculum Structure
Learning is organised through progressive milestones which allow children to build knowledge and skills over time.
Milepost 1
Years 1 and 2
Milepost 2
Years 3 and 4
Milepost 3
Years 5 and 6
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that children revisit and build upon prior learning, helping them know more, remember more and do more.
Small class sizes and high levels of adult support allow us to personalise learning and help every child achieve success.
Personal Development and Skills for Life
We are committed to preparing children not only for their next school, but for life.
Through our curriculum, children develop:
- Emotional literacy
- Resilience
- Independence
- Positive relationships
- Leadership skills
- Citizenship
- Wellbeing strategies
- Career-related aspirations
Learning is enriched through:
- Educational visits
- Creative arts
- Outdoor learning
- Community projects
- Visitors and speakers
- Sporting opportunities
- Cultural experiences
- Rights Respecting campaigns
These experiences help children see themselves as capable learners with a positive future.
Assessment
Assessment at Bridgelea is meaningful, supportive and designed to celebrate progress.
Teachers use ongoing assessment to:
- Identify strengths.
- Remove barriers to learning.
- Adapt teaching.
- Celebrate success.
- Inform next steps.
We recognise and measure progress academically, socially and emotionally because all forms of development matter.
Working in Partnership with Families
Families are central to our curriculum journey.
We work closely with parents and carers through:
- Reviews and progress meetings
- Open afternoons
- Family events
- Workshops
- Regular communication
- Celebration assemblies
By working together, we create the best possible outcomes for children.
Preparing Children for the Future
Our curriculum is much more than a collection of subjects.
It is a nurturing, ambitious and rights-respecting journey that helps children:
- Understand themselves.
- Understand others.
- Develop confidence and resilience.
- Discover their strengths.
- Build positive relationships.
- Achieve success.
- Become active citizens.
https://www.manchesterlco.org/services/childrens-community-services-citywide/healthy-schools/
https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/
https://www.nurtureuk.org/news/national-nurturing-schools-programme