Clear pathways for SEND students
We’ve created four unique SENse pathways. Each pathway offers specific support based on the student’s age, stage and next steps. Every student we work with is assigned one of these four pathways.
Our pathways model ensures that our students understand what the aim of their time with SENse Learning is. And it unites student, family and professionals in working towards a common goal. Over time students may move pathways based on their changing age or needs. Each student’s pathway is assessed at the end of every term.
Our four different pathways
Below is a summary of our four pathways, with additional information further down the page.
1. Assessment Pathway
The Assessment Pathway is the starting point for many of our students, including those with EOTAS on their EHCP. When the right pathway is not clear, the student can spend up to 2 terms here.
The focus is on building trusting relationships with the tutor team and developing consistent engagement in interest-based sessions.
Together, we develop a learning journey tailored to the individual to ensure their next pathway fits their aspirational next steps.
2. Reintegration Pathway
The Reintegration Pathway is for students who remain on a school roll or are working towards a school or longer-term AP setting.
The pathway aims to reduce barriers to learning by developing secure, trusting relationships with the tutor team, supporting both academic progress and wellbeing.
The focus is on developing confidence, social skills, and engagement, preparing students to reintegrate into a school or another educational setting, such as a longer-term AP.
3. Vocational and Independence Pathway
A pathway where young people are encouraged to work towards education, training, employment and independence.
Students will develop their wellbeing, interaction, learning and life skills where appropriate, through our SENse WILL and Functional Skills curriculum, complemented by a more personalised programme.
These include life skills challenges and a range of opportunities such as volunteering, work experience, and additional awards, as they prepare for their next steps.
4. EOTAS and Complex Needs Pathway
The EOTAS and Complex Needs Pathway is for those students who need to prioritise engagement, wellbeing, confidence building and holistic learning.
Our aim is to support and enable students to build this solid foundation before they step into another pathway or another specialist provision.
EOTAS students who need to initially focus on well-being will also be in this pathway.
1. Assessment Pathway
Who’s it for?
Students who are in their first two terms with SENse Learning and fit any of the criteria below…
- Could potentially sit in more than one pathway. We use our assessment pathway to ensure we find the best fit for them to move into.
- Are likely to move into the complex needs and EOTAS pathway after the two-term assessment period.
- Have been out of education for a long period, so their current needs and potential to engage are unclear.
We need a period to assess whether the SENse Learning approach is suitable for their needs.
The provision we supply in this pathway
This pathway is where many students begin their SENse Learning journey. Time spent within the Assessment Pathway allows us to focus on understanding each student’s individual needs and determining whether these can be best supported through safe, consistent face-to-face sessions.
Using the SENse Learning WILL Framework™ alongside the (Primary) Functional Skills curriculum, we establish a clear baseline of their starting point. This enables us to design sessions that are engaging, purposeful, and aligned with their individual next steps.
As an interim alternative provision, our aim is to support students in preparing for their next steps. We work collaboratively with families, professionals, and referring partners to ensure that provision remains meaningful and centred around positive outcomes for the student.
Students typically remain on the Assessment Pathway for up to two terms before transitioning to one of our three longer term pathways. Decisions about future pathways are informed by session engagement, peer and community experiences, and each student’s age and developmental stage. We recognise that needs evolve over time, and the student pathway may change to ensure continued appropriate support.
2. Reintegration Pathway
Who’s it for?
- Students who are on a school roll.
- Students up to the age of 16 who are developing skills for reintegrating into a school, or another educational setting, such as a longer-term AP.
- Students who we feel might be ready to transition to a school or educational setting in the next 24 months.
- Any students who are spending some time at school alongside their SENse Learning sessions.
- Students who are ready for school/longer-term AP and are awaiting confirmation of the placement.
The provision we supply in this pathway
The Reintegration Pathway aims to ensure students are prepared for a return to school or another educational setting.
It focuses on key skills needed for a successful transition, while giving students access to our full SENse WILL framework™ and Functional Skills curriculum.
We work to minimise barriers to learning by supporting students to build confidence, develop social and engagement skills and understand how to stay happy and healthy in the next placement.
Students learn how to self-advocate, recognise their own learning and sensory needs, and build their confidence in their ability to learn and socialise at school.
Once a setting is identified, we can support with taster days and visits, and work with the new setting to create a transition plan.
3. Vocational and Independence Pathway
Who’s it for?
- Students over the age of 14 who will be working towards further education, such as college, training or employment as their next steps or independent living.
The provision we supply in this pathway
This pathway supports students in developing the skills needed for their next steps into further education, training, employment or independent living.
This may include options such as work experience, employability skills sessions and career guidance. Students will work on our Functional Skills and SENse WILL framework™, to develop their wellbeing, interaction, learning and life skills.
Once the right onward step is found for each student, we work closely with the next provider to create a transition plan.
4. EOTAS and Complex Needs Pathway
Who’s it for?
- Students of any age, who need time to focus on engagement, confidence building and wellbeing.
- Students who can engage with SENse Learning’s holistic sessions and approach, but need time to focus primarily on their well being.
- Some students will have EOTAS on their educational health and care plan (EHCP).
The provision we supply in this pathway
This pathway is designed to nurture each student’s overall wellbeing so they can confidently transition into another pathway and continue progressing toward their next steps beyond their SENse Learning journey.
Students engage primarily with the wellbeing dimension of our SENse WILL framework™, with a strong emphasis on developing self-esteem, emotional resilience, and a secure sense of self. Our aim is to gently reduce anxiety and build the foundations that allow students to participate more consistently and meaningfully in a broader curriculum.
We actively support students in strengthening their community connections and working collaboratively with the other professionals involved in their lives. By building a network of trusted adults both within and beyond SENse Learning, students gain a sense of safety, belonging, and continuity.
Some students will have EOTAS provision outlined in their EHCP. When this aligns with a primary focus on wellbeing, they may be placed within this pathway. However, all provision is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains appropriate, effective, and aligned with each student’s evolving needs. As a result, many students may move into a different pathway when this better supports their holistic development and next steps.
Pathway to a positive transition
Read our case study to see P’s successful journey from one SENse Learning pathway to another, helping her to move closer towards a successful transition to college, with improved wellbeing, confidence and communication skills.
The curriculums we follow
We’re extremely proud of our bespoke SENse WILL framework™ covering four key areas of wellbeing, interaction, learning and life skills. Alongside this we offer Functional Skills curriculums for both primary and secondary-aged children as well as a range of other certificates and qualifications.