Therapeutic Education
At each of our residential settings, we aim to provide not only first-class therapeutic care and treatment, but also an effective and inspiring education which allows each child’s individual needs to be met and helps them to 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 an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP). 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.
Our therapeutic education considers and addresses emotional and cognitive development together, and in stages tailor-made to the needs of the whole child. Our children and young people need an integrated, seamless, containing experience across all aspects of their lives, and our integrated systemic 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 Greenfields House, Gables House and Oakwood House in Kent.
Greenfields School Chair of Governors: Sarah Scarratt chairofgovernors@childhoodfirst.org.uk
We work closely with Unity Education Trust at Earthsea House.
Where appropriate, we work in partnership with a range of other educational providers to ensure that each child and young person has their educational needs met in the optimum possible way. 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 the child or young person is attending.