No matter whether we're planning lessons, connecting with parents or responding to a pupil in distress, our first duty is always to show compassion. From there we get curious and utilise our understanding of how children learn.
Whilst we're proud to offer SaLT and OT to all of our pupils, the sessions that our therapists hold with them are just the tip of the iceberg. The development of our entire school is systemically intertwined with therapeutic approaches.
We prioritise recruiting staff with a shared belief in compassion for SEND. Everyone on the team has at least two years previous experience working with SEND and are qualified for their roles (yes, that means qualified teachers deliver lessons!).
We cover the full national curriculum, but deliver this in half-termly themes (rather than by subject). Every lesson is designed with a wide range of learning options, so that every child can participate in a way which caters to their strengths.
Our schools are small and welcoming. You'll find wiggle chairs and cosy nooks, minimal displays and the same soothing cream walls throughout. We aim to be a space which is familiar, where children feel safe to be themselves.
We combine our small, special school environments with some access to mainstream facilities. If/when our pupils are ready they can make use of these additional learning opportunities with our support, in the areas of their strengths.
The Divergent School Group is a pioneering group of special schools in the UK that cater to the unique needs and talents of neurodivergent children.
Our schools are just the right fit for children who need more support than mainstream schools can provide, but who don’t need the intensity of support typically found in special schools.
We tailor our special school environments to the sensory and communication needs of pupils, with soothing paint colours, independent access to resources, low visual noise and various ways to work (wiggle, cocooning and floor chairs all feature!).
This is complimented by access to some mainstream facilities and lessons, meaning that pupils have a balance between mainstream and special education which is the right balance for them.
Catering to pupils talents, as much as to their special needs, we offer a unique curriculum crafted for each pupil’s individual ambitions.
We believe that skilled and qualified staff are the greatest asset a school can have in order to give children a quality education.
At Divergent Schools all staff have previous special school experience, are qualified for their roles and believe deeply in the rights of children with special needs.
All lessons are taught by qualified teachers, with Qualified Teacher Status, and are supported by Higher Level Teaching Assistants.
Pupils also receive highly skilled support from Occupational Therapists and Speech & Language Therapists. Therapeutic approaches are integrated into all aspects of school life.
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