About the Navigators Pathway
The Navigators Pathway is a launchpad for children with autism who may have additional needs linked to executive functioning, communication, or organisation. This pathway offers a supportive learning environment where every child is seen, understood, and celebrated. Pupils will benefit from a timetable designed to minimise transitions, whilst delivering a high-quality curriculum that matches their individual academic abilities. The learning environment will be organised to help pupils regulate in the classroom, whilst staff support in building resilience, self-belief, and key life skills. Through tailored support and nurturing guidance, the Navigators Pathway helps each child overcome obstacles and discover their strengths—equipping them to chart their own course and thrive both in school and in life.
Our Goals for Your Child
The Navigators Pathway aims to help children become:
• Successful learners: Achieving academic and social successes at their own pace.
• Respectful citizens: Gaining independence and becoming valued, active members of the school and their community.
• Confident individuals: Developing communication skills and applying them in everyday life.
What Does the Pathway Offer?
Children in this pathway will benefit from:
• Trained staff and a curriculum designed to connect learning with real-life experiences.
• A timetable covering most areas of the national curriculum, at a level appropriate to individual needs.
• A speech and language-rich environment to help with communication.
• Consistent adults and predictable routines to reduce anxiety and improve focus.
• Life skills development, such as handling money, cooking, and travel training.
What will my child learn?
At Key Stage 2 your child will be class based and learn through a half-termly topic-based curriculum:
• English
• Maths
• Science
• ICT
• Humanities (Geography, Religion and History)
• Creative Arts (Music/Drama/Art)
• Physical Education
• PSHE & Citizenship (including Relationships Education)
• Design Technology
At Key Stage 3 your child will be class based for core and humanities subjects, and access to specialist areas for other areas of learning. They will cover:
• English
• Maths
• Science
• Humanities
• ICT
• Creative Arts
• Physical Education
• PSHE and RSE
• Citizenship including Life Skills
At Key Stage 4 your child will have the opportunity to access a range of appropriate subjects and qualifications. This will include English, maths and science at BTEC, Functional and Entry Level and options which may include ICT, Art, Music, Humanities, Catering.
At each stage, including the areas of learning outlined above, you child will get timetabled sessions in Navigators pathway for: Enrichment and personal development; Speech, language and communication; Interventions
How Do We Measure Progress?
We regularly review your child’s progress to ensure they’re getting the support they need. This includes:
• Checking progress against personal goals and EHCP (Education, Health, and Care Plan) objectives.
• Assessing functional skills like reading, writing, and numeracy.
• Evidence of social, emotional, and academic development
Preparing for the Future
A key focus of the Navigators Pathway is preparing your child for adulthood. This includes:
• Practical skills like using public transport, managing appointments, and staying safe.
• Achieving appropriate and relevant accreditations and qualifications
• Work-related learning through enterprise projects and carefully supported work experiences.
• Encouraging self-advocacy so your child can express their needs and set their own goals.
When they leave The Heights Academy, students might move on to college, vocational training, or supported apprenticeships, taking with them qualifications and skills they need for the next stage of their journey.
Partnering with Families
We believe in working closely with you to support your child’s success. Regular communication, progress reviews, and transition planning ensure that you’re involved every step of the way. Your child’s potential is at the heart of everything we do, and together, we can help them thrive and achieve their goals; preparing them for a fulfilling adult life