‘I meet so many parents who are desperate to be heard, and for their children to be truly seen. When a school gets that right, it deserves to be shared.’
We were recently delighted to welcome SEND expert and blogger Natalie Fernando who runs Better to be Different to Saint Pierre School – we invited Natalie to come and find out more about our SEND provision.
It was inspiring to meet someone who is so passionate about using her own experiences to help other families who are struggling with the system as it stands.
Writing on her own page, she said, ‘I had the privilege of visiting this small independent school in Leigh, Essex last week, they are working really hard to fill the gap for children who don’t quite fit mainstream, but might not quite meet the criteria for SEN placements either.’
‘So many children who are falling into this gap but families may not know that independent schools if they are able to meet need may be the answer. The people working at this school are passionate about supporting our young children and completely embracing their differences to become confident young people. Less about making them fit in and more about allowing them to stand out.’
‘I met children who were once non-verbal and paralysed by anxiety, unable to get past the school gates from previous school trauma who are now thriving in an inclusive, emotionally safe environment. Some are speaking confidently. Some are performing in front of the whole school.’
‘If you’re a parent of a child who is struggling in mainstream or you are worried about their next steps then this place is definitely worth a visit or at the very least worth knowing they exist.’
‘They’re using One Plans, therapies like SALT, and have even secured LA funding previously. But more than that they’re listening, adapting, and showing up for our children where so many others in education do not.’
‘I’m sharing this for no other reason than because I meet so many parents who are desperate to be heard, and for their children to be truly seen. When a school gets that right, it deserves to be shared.’
To find out more about Saint Pierre School, book a tour, or set up some free taster days for your child so they can experience being a part of the Saint Pierre family, please call us on 01702 474164 or email info@saintpierreschool.co.uk. Alternatively, you can use our Contact Form.
