Partnerships in Practice

At Havenswood, our ambition extends beyond providing education and family support.

Our aim is to become a much needed recognised centre for excellence and research.

By working in close collaboration with healthcare professionals, universities, and research institutes, we will evaluate and share what works best for neurodivergent learners and their families. This evidence-based approach will not only strengthen our own provision, but also contribute to national understanding and best practice, helping to shape future policy and improve outcomes for children and families far beyond Scarborough.

Four people in a meeting room sitting around a table with notebooks, pens, coffee cups, and a computer displaying a presentation that says "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower" by Steve Jobs.

Why Research Matters

We know that evidence and experience go hand-in-hand, and while there is growing awareness of the needs of neurodivergent children and young people, there is still limited research into what works best for academically able learners (those who don’t have complex learning needs or disabilities) and their families. By grounding our work in research, we can ensure that every service we provide is effective, sustainable, and truly life-changing.

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Partnerships & Collaboration

We also know that progress happens when people work together. That’s why our ambition is to collaborate closely with:

Universities and research institutes – to develop and test innovative approaches.
Healthcare professionals – to understand the links between education, wellbeing, and development.
Families and young people – to ensure lived experience shapes the research we do.
Schools and local authorities – to share knowledge and strengthen provision across the region.

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Our Areas of Focus

Our research will focus on themes that make the biggest difference to children, families, and communities, including:

Early intervention at nursery level and its long-term impact.
How to help neurodivergent learners without complex learning needs achieve their full potential.
Models of wraparound family support that build resilience.
Strategies for reintegration into mainstream education when it is the right pathway.
The role of environment in supporting learning, wellbeing, and confidence.

Three people analyzing a laptop and taking notes at a table with a large plant to the left.

Group of women collaborating, one writing in a notebook, others observing, in a bright room with large windows.

Our Contribution

Havenswood will not only deliver support on the ground, but also contribute to the wider evidence base. We will:

Share findings through reports, training, and conferences.
Act as a teaching and learning hub for education and health professionals.
Influence local and national policy by showing how inclusive, joined-up provision can improve outcomes.

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Our Future Vision

Our long-term goal is to be recognised as a Centre for Excellence in SEND and Neurodiversity – a place where best practice is created, tested, and shared widely. With the right partnerships and funding, we will generate knowledge that helps shape education and care not only in Scarborough, but across the country.

Shaping the Future