The ASEND360 Curriculum · Stages
ASEND360 Stages: subject pathways in small steps
Thirteen subject and preparation-for-adulthood pathways, each in 10 stages of small, observable “I can” steps, so progress from every pupil’s own starting point is visible.
Included with every ASEND360 school and trust subscription
Thirteen pathways, ten stages each
The ASEND360 Stages are progressive pathways in small steps for SEND. There are 13 subject and preparation-for-adulthood pathways:
- English, Mathematics, Science and Computing
- Humanities (History & Geography), Religion & Worldviews, Citizenship, and PSHE & RSE
- Creative Arts (Art & Music), Design & Technology and Physical Development
- Pathway to Independence and Preparing for Adulthood
Together with the four areas-of-need pathways, there are 17 Stage pathways and more than 12,000 small steps.
Small steps you can see
Every step is a single, observable “I can” skill. Breaking each stage into small steps means progress shows up in weeks, not just at the end of a year, for pupils whose progress is real but easily hidden by broad levels.
Planned and assessed from the same steps
Every route comes with ready-made, editable curriculum planning: an overview, long-term plans and medium-term plans, with unit topics as suggestions, plus a section of the Word curriculum pack with a matching spreadsheet. The steps in the plans are the same ones teachers assess against in ASEND360, so there’s no translating between documents.
Choosing the right route
Schools choose the most suitable route for each pupil and subject, and change it as pupils progress. A pupil might follow an ASEND360 Stage pathway in one subject and the Primary Curriculum route in another.
Some stages include comparative references to help with orientation. These are for orientation only: the Stages are not qualifications and are not equivalent to GCSE, Entry Level or any other qualification.
The Engagement Model sits alongside
For pupils not yet engaged in subject-specific learning, the Engagement Model is the right framework. It works alongside the ASEND360 Stages rather than forming part of them.
Inclusive by design
- Every communication method counts: speech, sign, symbols, AAC, eye gaze and technology.
- No compliance criteria: eye contact, sitting still or quietness are never measures of progress.
- Age-respectful contexts for older pupils working on early skills.
Questions schools ask
Are the Stages equivalent to qualifications?
No. Some stages include comparative references to help with orientation, but the Stages are not qualifications and are not equivalent to GCSE, Entry Level or any other qualification.
Is the Engagement Model part of the Stages?
No. The Engagement Model sits alongside the ASEND360 Stages for pupils not yet engaged in subject-specific learning. It isn’t a stage of its own.
Can we edit the plans?
Yes. Every overview, long-term plan, medium-term plan and pack section is editable, and unit topics are suggestions.
© 2026 ASEND360 Limited. The ASEND360 Curriculum, including its pathways, small steps, planning and curriculum pack, is protected by copyright and licensed for use by schools and trusts with an active ASEND360 subscription. It may not be copied, shared or published outside a licensed school or trust without written permission. Statutory statements from the national curriculum and the EYFS framework contain public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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