At each of our communities, we aim to provide not only first-class therapeutic care and treatment, but also an effective and inspiring education which allows each child to catch up with their mainstream peers, develop an enjoyment of learning and achieve their potential.
Most of the children and young people who come to us have experienced severe disruption in their educational progress. Some have never been able to manage formal schooling and most will have a Statement of Educational Needs. Our therapeutic approach enables all to achieve and experience success, often for the first time, so building confidence and self-esteem; those who are with us for two years or more experience exceptional outcomes.
Therapeutic education considers and addresses emotional and cognitive development together, and in stages tailor-made to the needs of the whole child. Such children and young people need an integrated, seamless, containing experience across all aspects of their lives, and our integrated approach delivers this. At each community we think together at all times about the particular emotional and cognitive needs of each child and young person.
We follow the National Curriculum in our own Registered Special School at Greenfields School providing for both Greenfields and Gables House in Biddenden. We work in partnership with the on-site Norfolk short stay school at Earthsea House and Merrywood House. Specialist educational psychologists consult to us, to help diagnose and address specific learning difficulties.
Where appropriate we provide expert help in the transition from special school or short stay school to mainstream school or college, and provide the necessary continuing support working closely with the school or college which they are attending.
For detailed information about a particular school please email enquiries(at)childhoodfirst.org.uk or telephone 020 7928 7388.
