Havenswood Safe Spaces Project provides nurturing, therapeutic support for neurodivergent children and young people who do not have complex learning needs. These are the children now known as the ‘SENDbetweeners’ - those able to study at age related levels, but who struggle to access mainstream education successfully. The children we support may be excluded from mainstream school due to unmet need, on a reduced school timetable, home educated not by choice or accessing EOTAS provision, … children who need additional support or time away from busy mainstream environments in order to regulate, recover and thrive.

For many neurodivergent children there are periods when school becomes overwhelming, exhausting or emotionally unmanageable. Havenswood Safe Spaces are designed to support schools & children during these difficult times through educational enrichment activities, therapeutic support and access to calm, nurturing alternative spaces where they can feel safe, understood and accepted.

Our approach will value the needs of the individual child, with a strong emphasis on enrichment, alternative learning styles , therapeutic learning, social connection, wellbeing and preparing for the future, so that SEND children can grow into confident, capable and fulfilled adults - as well as achieve academically.

THERAPEUTIC LEARNING

Therapeutic learning is an approach that combines education with emotional wellbeing and relational support, helping children feel secure, accepted and genuinely understood while they learn and socialise. Rather than focusing solely on academic performance or fitting children into one standard model, it places equal importance on emotional development, confidence, relationships and personal growth alongside educational progress.

Our approach draws on Dan Siegel’s 4 Ss of attachment:

Safe – children feel protected and able to participate.

Seen – their unique story is understood without labels.

Soothed – calm, attuned adult responses support regulation.

Secure – consistent, trusting relationships build resilience and

belonging.

Every member of staff embodies this ethos, making relationships the

foundation for healing and learning.

**Please note that our programmes are not designed for children whose primary needs require specialist high-dependency provision, nor are they intended to replace full-time education. Havenswood complements existing education and support arrangements by providing enrichment, connection, confidence-building social and therapeutic opportunities.