Indigo: Informal
The Indigo Pathway demonstrates the inclusive approach by recognising that children with complex needs, including autism, learn differently. The pathway is caring in how it supports sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing, and ambitious in building foundations for future independence.
The Indigo Pathway is for pupils with complex needs, often including autism, who need support with managing their feelings, communicating, and understanding the world before they can focus on more formal learning.
Focus Areas
Sensory Regulation and Communication
The pathway prioritises:
- Understanding each pupil's unique sensory profile
- Supporting pupils to regulate their sensory experiences
- Developing communication skills for pupils who may be behavioural communicators
- Using a total communication approach including visual supports, objects of reference, signs, symbols and technology
- Building early problem-solving skills through motivating activities
Independence and Emotional Wellbeing
Learning focusses on:
- Developing self-help skills in meaningful contexts
- Supporting emotional regulation through sensory-informed approaches
- Building confidence through successful experiences
- Encouraging engagement with routines and activities
- Developing awareness of self and others
Experiential Learning in Real-Life Contexts
The curriculum is:
- Experiential and practical, based on real-life situations
- Motivating and relevant to each pupil's interests
- Flexible and non-linear, allowing simultaneous achievement across multiple areas
- Structured but responsive to individual needs
- Focused on high levels of engagement
Specialist Approaches
Teaching incorporates:
- Sensory strategies to help pupils feel regulated and ready to learn
- Visual supports like visual timetables and now-and-next boards
- Personalised timetables that provide structure and predictability
- Simple, clear language with visual cues
- Intensive Interaction for building early communication
- Attention Autism to help with shared attention and engagement
- Low-arousal environments to reduce anxiety
- Structured play to develop skills in a safe way
Preparation for Adulthood
PfA outcomes are developed through:
- Learning basic everyday tasks in real situations
- Managing personal care with appropriate support
- Taking part in daily routines with growing independence
- Following simple instructions in familiar situations
- Learning about staying safe through play and routines
- Developing ways to communicate needs and wants
- Building foundations for greater independence