In the autumn term of 2011, it was identified that a programme of support for developing science in the curriculum was required at a newly opened special school, Beacon Reach, in Lancashire, which caters to children with autism spectrum disorders. Staff wanted to provide a relevant and meaningful curriculum, accessible even to young people who have communication difficulties. As with any curriculum change, it needed to be thorough, and would take time; they anticipated a three-year programme of development in order to meet these challenges. This article describes how the school's relevant and meaningful science curriculum was developed, including training for teaching staff and mentors and cross-curricular planning and reviewing.