What do we do?

At Wightwick Hall School, we provide a Community Visits curriculum that helps students develop lifelong skills through real world experiences. We believe the local community is one of the most powerful classrooms for learners with Special Educational Needs. Our curriculum supports students aged 11 to 18 and above to build independence, confidence and social understanding through structured outings and practical activities.

Community visits allow students to practise essential life skills such as travel, shopping, using services and engaging safely with unfamiliar settings. These experiences promote communication, emotional regulation and personal development. Our approach ensures every learner can access meaningful, inclusive and purposeful opportunities linked to their EHCP outcomes and Preparation for Adulthood.

How do we do it?

We deliver carefully planned and fully personalised community visits that provide safe, structured and meaningful experiences for all students.

Curriculum Structure and Assessment

• Visits are linked to individual EHCP outcomes and SMART personal development goals.
• Students learn communication, social interaction and emotional regulation strategies through supported experience.
• Staff use ongoing formative assessment, feedback, reflection activities and post visit discussions to consolidate progress.
• Summative evidence is captured through student voice, observation notes, photographs, and progress tracking.

Cross Curricular Learning

Community visits connect directly to learning in PSHE, Geography, Science, Life Skills, Food Technology, ICT and Preparation for Adulthood. Thematic units such as Me in the World and Leisure and Community help students understand how classroom knowledge applies in real situations.

Accessibility and Inclusion

• Venues are chosen with accessibility in mind, ensuring wheelchair access, sensory friendly spaces and appropriate facilities.
• Adjustments are made in line with the Equality Act 2010, including additional staffing, adapted resources and specialist transport.
• Risk assessments consider medical needs, sensory profiles, communication preferences and individual behavioural needs.
• Staff conduct pre visits to ensure suitability and reduce anxiety.

Planning and Preparation

• Parents, carers and the SENCO are involved early in the planning process.
• Students use social stories, visual schedules and pre teaching to understand what to expect.
• Travel routines and community expectations are practised beforehand.

During the Visit

• Staff use calm, supportive approaches including positive reinforcement, sensory breaks and communication aids such as AAC or PECS.
• Activities are adaptable to ensure success and reduce stress.
• Students are encouraged to participate, engage and make choices throughout.

After the Visit

• Students reflect on their experience through discussion, visuals, sequencing and feedback.
• Learning is linked back to classroom content and personal development goals.
• Progress is recorded and used to inform future planning.

How enrichment supports Community Visits

• Cooking clubs, gardening, school café work experience and shopping activities reinforce life skills.
• Social clubs such as Lego, drama or art build peer relationships, confidence and emotional expression.
• Outdoor learning, nature walks and residential trips build resilience and adaptability.
• Museum visits, leisure activities and community projects extend classroom learning into real settings.

SMSC Development

Community visits support spiritual, moral, social and cultural growth by helping students:

• respect differences and understand diversity
• participate in their community
• explore local culture and traditions
• develop a sense of identity and belonging
• reflect on personal values and behaviour

Visits to places of worship, cultural sites and community events help nurture thoughtful, respectful and socially aware young people.

Why do we do it?

We offer Community Visits because they transform learning into meaningful, memorable and practical experiences. These sessions help students develop real world skills and independence that will support them well beyond school.

Top 5 Impacts

1. Improved Social and Communication Skills
Students practise real interactions, communication methods and teamwork. This builds confidence, reduces isolation and strengthens social understanding.

2. Better Emotional Wellbeing and Self Regulation
Outdoor activities, creative sessions and sensory friendly experiences support emotional expression, reduce anxiety and promote resilience.

3. Stronger Life Skills and Independence
Shopping, travel training, using services and cooking help students apply functional skills and prepare for adulthood.

4. Enhanced SMSC Values
Visits promote respect, cultural awareness, moral understanding and personal reflection, supporting students to become active members of their community.

5. Increased Engagement and Motivation
Real world experiences make learning relevant and enjoyable, improving participation, curiosity and enthusiasm across the curriculum.