Special Class Long-Term Recorded Preparation Pack (Curriculum Areas/ Subjects)

This Special Class Long-Term Recorded Preparation Pack has been developed to support teachers in preparing useful, manageable and flexible long-term subject/ curriculum area recorded preparation in line with the 2026 Guidance on Preparation for Learning, Teaching and Assessment Updated Guidance for all Primary and Special Schools.

Planning for a special class can be particularly challenging, as pupils may be working across different class levels and at very different points in their learning. This pack provides adaptable templates, realistic completed examples and detailed guidance to demonstrate how long-term recorded preparation can reflect the diverse strengths, needs, interests, communication methods and learning profiles of pupils in a special-class setting.

The pack includes:

3 editable blank templates:

• Blank Template Option 1 – Redeveloped Primary Curriculum
• Blank Template Option 2 – Redeveloped Primary Curriculum
• Blank Template – 1999 Primary School Curriculum

Two different templates are deliberately provided for the redeveloped curriculum to demonstrate that there is no single prescribed format for long-term recorded preparation. Teachers may use either template as provided or adapt the layout, headings and level of detail to suit their own needs, class context and whole-school approach.

Editable versions are supplied in Microsoft Word and Google Docs formats.

3 completed long term recorded preparation examples in PDF format:

• Primary Mathematics Curriculum – Third to Sixth Class Special Class
• Social and Environmental Education – Junior and Senior Infants Special Class
• 1999 Music Curriculum – Infants to Second Class Special Class

The examples demonstrate how learning can be prioritised across the year without attempting to include every possible Learning Outcome or Content Objective. They also illustrate how Learning Experiences and assessment can be made accessible to pupils with a wide range of needs, including pupils who communicate non-verbally or require significant additional support.

Detailed explanation notes:

The accompanying explanation notes provide an annotated walkthrough of long-term recorded preparation and address many of the practical questions teachers may have, including:

• what long-term recorded preparation should contain
• planning by curriculum area or individual subject
• selecting and prioritising Learning Outcomes
• using the redeveloped curricula in a special-class context
• sequencing and pacing learning across the year
• choosing an appropriate level of detail
• developing suitable Learning Experiences
• assessment practices and ways pupils can demonstrate learning
• integration across curriculum areas
• the Additional Support Pathways
• teaching Irish in the special-class context

The examples and templates are illustrative rather than prescriptive. The updated guidance emphasises teacher professional judgement and recognises that recorded preparation should be useful, practical and appropriate to the teacher’s own context. The templates can therefore be adapted further where required.

This pack is intended to provide teachers with a clear starting point while still allowing the flexibility needed to respond meaningfully to the individual pupils in their class.

Note:
This resource pack is designed to support long-term curriculum area/subject planning for special class teachers. It does not include templates or guidance for individual long-term planning for pupils (SSP+). Individual support planning is separate from curriculum area/subject planning and is generally completed for each child in the special class.

If you also require a special class SSP+ Plan example, it is available separately here.

Some Frequently Asked Questions (for a full and comprehensive FAQ, click here):

How and when will I receive my order?

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As you will receive your download immediately, unfortunately returns/ refunds are not possible. All of the products have a detailed description as well as preview pictures, so you can be sure that the product is suitable for you before you purchase. If you have any questions about products, please feel free to email info@teachingplans.ie

Can I share my download with others/ my school?

Sharing your download with others is strictly prohibited as it is copyrighted material that you purchase an individual licence for. You are free to edit teachingplans.ie resources that you have purchased for your own use, however reselling or distributing these works in whole or part is strictly forbidden. If you know another teacher who would like the resource, please refer them to teachingplans.ie

Can I purchase plans with another teacher in my school who is teaching the same class level?/ Can we split the cost if we are both using them?

No, the cost of a product cannot be split amongst 2 teachers at the same class level. All downloads from teachingplans.ie constitute copyrighted material that and each purchase gives an individual licence for one teacher to use the resources. Where multiple teachers in a school are at the same class level and would like to use the same resource, an individual purchase is necessary for each teacher.

Do you have a Google Docs version of this product?

Yes, this download includes a PDF document with a link to the editable parts of product in Google Docs (i.e. the blank long term recorded preparation templates). When you click this link, you will be asked to create your own copy of the document.

Can you post me printed copies of my order?

No, all products are available as digital downloads only.