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School-led Specification

PDT

Scheme of Work

Physical Development Therapy. Bespoke therapeutic movement programme promoting physical wellbeing, sensory integration, and emotional regulation through structured sport, yoga, and outdoor activities.

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

Movement & Fitness

Health & Wellbeing
Develop fundamental movement skills: running, jumping, throwing, catching
Build stamina, agility, flexibility and physical fitness progressively
Participate in structured physical activities with increasing confidence

Content: Running, jumping, throwing, catching, agility, stamina, flexibility

Progression: From supported participation to confident, independent physical activity

Real-World: Physical fitness, active lifestyle, workplace physical demands

Sensory Integration

Health & Wellbeing
Engage in proprioceptive and vestibular activities for sensory regulation
Complete sensory circuits as part of daily regulation routines
Identify personal sensory needs and use appropriate regulation strategies

Content: Proprioception, vestibular input, sensory circuits, regulation strategies

Progression: From adult-led sensory circuits to self-directed regulation strategies

Real-World: Self-regulation in daily life, managing sensory environments, workplace readiness

Team Sports & Games

Community Participation
Participate in team sports following rules and demonstrating sportsmanship
Develop teamwork, communication and cooperation through physical activity
Build resilience through competitive and cooperative game situations

Content: Football, basketball, cricket, team building, rules, sportsmanship

Progression: From parallel participation to active team contribution and leadership

Real-World: Teamwork, following rules, social interaction, community sports participation

Wellbeing & Mindfulness

Health & Wellbeing
Practise yoga poses, breathing exercises and body awareness techniques
Use mindfulness and relaxation as tools for emotional regulation
Develop body awareness and the connection between physical and emotional states

Content: Yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, body scans, muscle relaxation

Progression: From guided mindfulness to independent use of wellbeing strategies

Real-World: Stress management, sleep hygiene, emotional regulation in daily life

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 PDT Curriculum?

Our team is happy to discuss how we adapt our physical development programme for SEND learners, including OT integration and sensory considerations.