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NOCN Specification

Digital Skills

Scheme of Work

NOCN Functional Skills in Digital Skills equipping learners with essential technology competencies for the modern workplace and independent living.

Section 1

Intent, Implementation & Impact

Intent

  • Deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum adapted for SEND learners
  • Build confidence and independence through scaffolded learning
  • Ensure all learners access their full educational entitlement
  • Align with EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood pathways

Implementation

  • Differentiated resources and multi-sensory teaching approaches
  • Therapeutic integration within lessons to support regulation
  • Regular formative assessment to track progress against targets
  • Small group sizes with high staff-to-learner ratios

Impact

  • Measurable progress against EHCP outcomes each term
  • Accredited qualifications appropriate to learner ability
  • Improved confidence, resilience, and self-regulation
  • Readiness for next steps in education, training, or employment
Section 2

Curriculum Overview by Strand

Using Devices & Software

Employment
Identify and use common hardware components and peripherals
Navigate operating systems, file management, and accessibility features
Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using standard software

Content: Operating systems, file management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations

Progression: From basic device operation to confident multi-application use

Real-World: Using computers at work, managing personal files, creating documents

Online Communication

Employment
Compose and manage professional emails with appropriate etiquette
Use video conferencing and collaboration tools effectively
Understand the difference between formal and informal digital communication

Content: Email, video calls, messaging, collaboration tools, professional communication

Progression: From basic messaging to professional multi-platform communication

Real-World: Workplace emails, remote meetings, collaborating with colleagues online

Information & Research

Independent Living
Use search engines effectively to find reliable information
Evaluate the credibility and reliability of online sources
Organise and reference digital information appropriately

Content: Search engines, evaluating sources, bookmarking, digital libraries, fact-checking

Progression: From simple searches to critical evaluation of digital information

Real-World: Researching products, services, and opportunities online; spotting misinformation

Online Safety

Health & Wellbeing
Create and manage strong passwords and privacy settings
Recognise phishing, scams, and cyberbullying
Understand digital footprint and data protection principles

Content: Passwords, privacy settings, phishing, cyberbullying, digital footprint, data protection

Progression: From awareness of online risks to proactive digital safety management

Real-World: Protecting personal data, safe social media use, recognising online threats

Section 3

Assessment Cycle

CONTINUOUSCYCLE

Baseline

September

Formative

Ongoing

Half-Termly

Every 6 weeks

Summative

Termly

Annual Review

Annually

Baseline

Initial assessment to establish starting points and inform differentiation

Formative

Regular lesson-level checks for understanding and progress

Half-Termly

Assessed tasks to track progress against learning objectives and EHCP targets

Summative

End-of-term assessment with moderated grading and reporting

Annual Review

Contribution to EHCP Annual Review with evidence of progress

Section 4

Adaptations for SEND Learners

SEMH Support
  • Regulation breaks built into lesson plans
  • Therapeutic check-ins before and after sessions
  • Flexible seating and low-stimulus environments
  • Positive behaviour reinforcement strategies
ASC Adaptations
  • Visual timetables and structured routines
  • Clear, literal instructions with visual supports
  • Advance notice of changes to activities or routine
  • Reduced sensory demands in the learning environment
Communication Needs
  • Colourful Semantics and visual communication aids
  • Pre-teaching of key vocabulary before each topic
  • Simplified task instructions with visual scaffolding
  • Alternative recording methods where appropriate
Cognition & Learning
  • Scaffolded worksheets with graduated difficulty
  • Concrete-pictorial-abstract approach to new concepts
  • Repetition and retrieval practice built into every session
  • Extended processing time and chunked instructions
Section 5

Termly Scheme of Work

Section 7

Preparation for Adulthood Links

Employment

  • Workplace-relevant skills and knowledge
  • Problem-solving and independent thinking
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills
  • Accredited qualifications for career pathways

Independent Living

  • Real-world application of core skills
  • Managing personal information and data
  • Budgeting and financial literacy connections
  • Health and safety awareness

Community Participation

  • Understanding rights and responsibilities
  • Environmental and social awareness
  • Communication skills for community engagement
  • Active citizenship and participation

Health & Wellbeing

  • Self-regulation and emotional literacy
  • Physical wellbeing and healthy choices
  • Building resilience and self-confidence
  • Therapeutic progress and coping strategies

Questions About Our Digital Skills Curriculum?

Our team is happy to discuss how we adapt our teaching for SEND learners, including assessment arrangements and differentiated pathways.