Our Vision for Personal Development

At Marjory Kinnon school we are very proud of the success of our Personal Development programme, which was rated as Outstanding in our 2022 Ofsted inspection.  We know that parents are looking for their children to develop confidence and independence and to feel included in the community. This is the drive behind our vision as a school: to ensure every pupil will learn the skills and develop the confidence needed to become a valued, integrated and independent member of their community. We believe autism brings a unique set of skills that should be developed and celebrated to foster inclusion and self-worth.

Our Personal Development Curriculum

As a specialist setting supporting autistic pupils with complex needs, we understand the significance of personal development.  Being able to recognise how you feel and then make appropriate, and contextually specific, decisions based on this is a fundamental skill necessary to live a happy and healthy life.  

Our Personal Development Curriculum aims to support pupils to:

• Recognise their own emotions and feelings.
• Identify and use appropriate strategies for emotional regulation.
• Experience happiness, fun and enjoyment.
• Know and understand how to keep themselves and others safe.
• Develop resilience, self-esteem and a positive sense of self.
• Foster and maintain positive and safe relationships.
• Promote strong mental health and wellbeing.
• Broaden their social, moral, spiritual and cultural development.
• Be prepared for their next stage of education and life.

1. Independence Skills – promoted using the TEACCH approach in classrooms that uses structures, routines and visual symbols to encourage independence:

• Making simple meals and snacks – Food Tech curriculum/Life Skills Flat.
• Personal hygiene routines – Hygiene rooms and programmes for pupils.
• Dressing independently - life skills curriculum.
• Organising personal belongings – life skills curriculum.
• Laundry and clothing care – life skills curriculum and flat.
• Using a timetable or visual schedule – TEACCH & SCERTS.
• Managing personal care routines – Hygiene plans/ PSHE.
• Packing a school bag - life skills lessons.
• Independent travel training – supported by MENCAP trainers in Secondary.

2. Communication and Social Skills

• Communication Boards, Symbols, Makaton.
• Communication Café.
• Turn-taking games – OPaL play activities.
• Role-play activities in the Primary Village Area at playtime OPaL.
• Social skills are promoted through Thrive Approach in classrooms.
• Conflict resolution activities/restorative conversations where appropriate.
• Communication using AAC devices.

3. Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health

• Thrive sessions.
• SCERTS and relaxation activities.
• Emotional regulation Thrive Interventions.
• Feelings check-ins  - Zones of Regulation.
• Resilience-building activities.
• Therapeutic music, Thrive and play sessions.
• Emotional literacy programmes.
• Wellbeing walks.
• Breathing and calming techniques.
• Self-esteem development activities.

4. Physical Health and Wellbeing

• Adapted sports activities.
• Dance and movement sessions in PE.
• Swimming programmes.
• Healthy eating learning – Food Tech and Life Skills.
• Fitness challenges in PE.
• Outdoor education activities/OPaL.
• Team sports and competitions.
• Sensory circuits KS1.
• Sensory rooms and spaces.
• Horticulture and gardening experiences.

5. Preparation for Adulthood

• Work experience placements.
• Life Skills Curriculum.
• Enterprise projects.
• Mock interviews.
• Careers education sessions.
• Workplace visits.
• Job application practice.
• Budgeting and money management.
• Developing workplace behaviours.

6. Community Participation

• Shopping trips.
• Library visits.
• Café and restaurant visits.
• Using public transport.
• Charity fundraising events.
• Visits to local businesses.
• Participation in community projects.
• Environmental improvement activities/ Eco-school council.
• Attending local events.

7. Citizenship and British Values

• School council participation.
• Voting activities.
• Learning about rights and responsibilities.
• Cultural awareness celebrations.
• Diversity and inclusion projects.
• Anti-bullying weeks.
• Democracy-themed activities.
• Charity and community support projects.
• School values Kindness, Respect and Tolerance discussions.
• Current affairs discussions as appropriate.

8. Online Safety and Digital Skills

• Internet safety lessons.
• Cyberbullying awareness.
• Responsible social media use/mobile phone project with SaLT.
• Digital communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Online research activities.
• Password security education.
• Safe online shopping awareness.
• Digital citizenship lessons.
• Assistive technology training.

9. Life Skills

• Money handling activities.
• Shopping and budgeting.
• Time management exercises.
• Road safety education.
• Household management skills.
• Gardening projects.
• Cooking programmes.
• First aid training.
• Problem-solving activities.
• Decision-making exercises.

10. Creativity and Self-Expression

• Art and craft projects.
• Music therapy sessions.
• Drama workshops.
• Dance performances.
• Photography projects.
• Creative writing activities.
• Talent shows.
• School productions.
• Poetry and storytelling.
• Multimedia projects.

11. Sensory Development

• Sensory room activities.
• Sensory circuits.
• Music and movement sessions.
• Tactile exploration activities.
• Sensory gardening.
• Relaxation experiences.
• Water play.
• Sensory storytelling.
• Aroma and texture exploration.
• Light and sound activities.

12. Relationships and Personal Safety

• Healthy relationships education/ Healthy Schools Bronze Award.
• Personal boundaries activities.
• Stranger awareness sessions.
• Consent and choice education.
• Keeping safe in the community.
• Trusted adults’ identification.
• Personal safety workshops.
• Road and transport safety.
• Water and Fire safety.
• Emergency services awareness.
• Relationship-building activities.

13. Leadership Opportunities

• Eco-council representatives.
• School council members.
• Sports leaders.
• Charity event organisers.
• Peer support roles.

14. Enrichment Activities

• Educational visits.
• Residential trips.
• Horticulture and Gardening school sessions.
• School dog therapy programmes.
• Links and visits to Hounslow Urban Farm.
• Cultural experience days.
• Guest author presentations.
• Theme weeks – Creative arts, Science, Maths, Mental Health Awareness.
• Sports competitions – SEND London Inclusion School events.
• Arts festivals.
• STEM enrichment activities.