The Constellation SLD Unit

The Constellation SLD Unit is a specialist setting for children aged between 4 and 11 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). The Unit is part of Deptford Park Primary School and as such our core values reflect those of our community. 

We chose the name The Constellation because it reflects how we see every child: unique, valued and full of potential. Just as each star shines in its own way, every pupil brings their own strengths and, with the right support, each learner can shine and help others find their way. Together, our children, families and staff form something greater and connected – create a supportive community where everyone belongs – a constellation. 

The strength of the Constellation SLD Unit lies in its child-centred vision and its commitment to total communication. Our Speech and Language Therapist and Occupational Therapist work with staff and children on a weekly basis, bringing specialist knowledge directly into the classroom and ensuring that therapeutic goals are woven into daily learning rather than sitting alongside it. 

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum vision

At Deptford Park, we believe that every child has the right to learn, communicate, develop independence and thrive. Through high expectations, strong partnerships with families and a holistic approach to development, we support every child to achieve their fullest potential and to lead as independent and fulfilling a life as possible – within a safe, nurturing and aspirational environment where their individuality is always valued and celebrated. 

Our curriculum is developmental by nature. This means it builds upon each child’s strengths, interests and unique ways of learning, whilst addressing identified needs in meaningful and functional ways. Our aim is to prepare children for the next stage of life by nurturing confidence, promoting independence and encouraging them to advocate for themselves. 

Our children’s development is built around six core principles:

• My Communication 

• My Health and Body 

• My Wellbeing 

• My Learning and Engagement 

• My Community 

• My Growing Independence 

These principles are not subjects. They are the six dimensions of a flourishing life – the areas in which every child in our unit is growing, regardless of where they are in their development or what pathway they are on. Every session, every activity and every interaction in our unit is planned and evaluated through the lens of these principles. They are the reason we do what we do. 

The result is a curriculum that is simultaneously consistent and individual – the same six principles for every child, expressed in ways that are unique to each one. 

Click here to see Our Six Core Principles.

Our approach

We follow a 4-year sensory curriculum, developed by Jordan Garratt, designed to build curiosity, exploration, communication and understanding through meaningful, real-world experiences. The curriculum is integrated with the SEND Inspire Learning Pathways, ensuring a carefully planned developmental progression for every learner while supporting the achievement of individual outcomes and personalised targets.

Click here to see our four year curriculum.

Whilst topics are shared across all classes, the curriculum is personalised and flexible, recognising that every child’s journey is different. Learning is carefully adapted to develop individual abilities, interests and EHCP outcomes, enabling all children to experience success and make progress from their own starting points. 

Our four pathways are Explorers, Pathfinders, Navigators and Voyagers — each built around one of four learning profiles: Explore, Experience, Experience–Engage and Engage.All our specialist classes follow an adapted TEACCH structure — an evidence-based approach to teaching children with autism and severe learning difficulties. 

Each child’s journey develops through one or more of these pathways. A child’s learning profile is determined not by age or diagnosis but by their developmental stage, communication profile, regulation capacity and readiness to engage with the world around them. Learning profiles are not fixed: as children grow and develop, their profile evolves – and we review this termly, always in partnership with families. 

Each learning profile is built around our six core principles, ensuring that every child, however early their stage of development, has a curriculum that is broad, ambitious and deeply personal to them. What changes across pathways is not which principles are addressed, but how they are addressed: the depth of engagement, the complexity of objectives and the level of independence expected all increase as children move through the pathways. 

Our curriculum impact

A child’s strengths are recognised, assessed and celebrated across all six core principles — not only in learning and communication, but in how they regulate, how they connect with others, how they care for themselves and how they are growing towards independence.  

Progress is measured against each child’s starting point, evidenced through daily observation and assessed formally at each assessment point across the year. Each child’s strengths are identified and their next steps are planned for.  

We believe that a flexible and timely approach to assessment and planning — one that responds to what children show us rather than to fixed timelines — is the foundation of genuine progress.  

We review each child’s learning profile, objectives and EHCP outcomes regularly as a whole team and in collaboration with families.  

Admissions

Who can apply

All children who attend The Constellation SLD Unit hold an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and have an identified need for a specialist SLD provision. 

How to apply

To apply for a place, families should contact their local authority’s SEND department, who will manage the referral process on your behalf. Once we receive your child’s documentation — including their EHCP and any accompanying reports — we will respond within 15 working days, in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015). 

What happens next

We know that choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make. From the moment we receive a referral, we work closely with you, your child and the local authority to make sure you have everything you need to reach the right decision. That includes the opportunity to visit The Constellation, meet the team and ask as many questions as you need. 

Once you are offered a place at the Unit, your child will join one of our four classes. Placement within a class is always determined by your child’s stage of development, communication profile and individual learning needs. We review class placements termly and any changes are always discussed and agreed with families before they happen. 

Get in touch 

Our door is always open. If you would like to find out more before making a referral, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Send an email to sld@deptfordpark.lewisham.sch.uk