Intent
Our agreed essential areas for pupil development are English, Maths, and Social Skills. We know that many of our pupils arrive with significant gaps in these areas due to previous social and schooling challenges.
Increasingly, pupils have been accessing interventions to individualise their learning, and we wanted to extend this approach so that more children benefit from targeted support.
Through the implementation of daily Essentials sessions in the classroom, we can personalise learning even further by working in small groups focused on these core areas.
By dedicating additional time in the timetable to Essentials, pupils have more opportunities to revisit concepts, close gaps, and experience those “light bulb” moments more frequently. Over time, this approach strengthens understanding and supports progress across the curriculum.
Implementation
Essentials sessions take place daily. Each session includes:
Children focusing on English, Maths, or Social Skills.
Adult- led and independent activities.
Pre - and Post-Teaching in English and Maths
Teachers use pre-teaching to introduce concepts to pupils who may struggle or need extra challenge before the main lesson. This approach helps close gaps, reinforce understanding, and ensure concepts are retained.
Impact
Individualised learning with more 1:1 support in English and Maths
Faster, sustained progress in reading, phonics, and writing
Increased confidence in lessons and improved self-esteem
Better social skills and stronger friendships
Greater progress across English, Maths, and the wider curriculum
Pupils making progress in line with peers who have had similar support
