spotlight on: Special school

Educating 52 Students with Special Needs

Head over to our campus and discover a vibrant and unique learning atmosphere where children with special needs are cherished and supported. Our team of skilled teachers and therapists is dedicated to providing each child with the education and tools they need to succeed and thrive.

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Side By Side
167
Members of Staff
7
classes in our school
87
Students with ECHP’s
“I Was Looking for a School, but I Found So Much More”

What Sets Us Apart

Side by Side
Side by Side
One Size Fits All

One-to-One Support


At our special school, each student receives 1:1 or small group support within the classroom, ensuring their unique learning needs and challenges are addressed with personalised strategies.

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Following Lesson Plans


Personalised Plans


We create individualised learning plans for each student, tailored to their specific strengths, needs, and goals. By focusing on each child's unique learning style, we provide the support they need to thrive.

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Side by Side
Learning Behind Desks


Interactive Learning

Through fun and meaningful activities, we keep students motivated and excited about their education. Our specialised programs incorporate tools such as adaptive technology, communication devices for non-verbal students, sensory supports and specialised furniture. These resources make learning both engaging and enjoyable for every student.

celebrating together

British and Proud

We take great pride in our commitment to ensuring students engage with and truly understand the significance of celebrating British Values. Our curriculum is designed to reflect the diverse elements of the SMSC framework, allowing students to explore key themes that shape their growth as informed, respectful, and active citizens.

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Side by Side
making work work

Meet Dovid...


He passes you your books at the local library. He’s 17 years old and has ASD. His dedicated mentor at Side By Side found him this placement  and accompanies him on each visit, providing support and guidance.  His mentor helped him settle in and showed him the ropes on his first day.

Since starting, Dovid has grown in confidence, developed social skills, and now looks forward to each shift. The structured environment and responsibility have given him a sense of independence, pride, and purpose.

Workability program

Setting them up for success.

Our workability/life skills programs support our 14-19-year-old pupils as they prepare for adulthood and life beyond school, focusing on independence and becoming valuable members of society. This includes practical work experience with local placements, where they receive a dedicated mentor to accompany them.
For students who require a higher level of support, we provide in-house work experience placements, also with a dedicated mentor, to help develop employability skills and boost confidence.

30

Students in the program

40+

Hours of work per week

15+

Placements this year

3,500 Hours of Therapy a Year!
This includes:
• Speech and language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Music therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Emotional well-being/behaviour support
We offer a wide range of therapies, supporting children on a one-to-one basis, in small groups, and through classroom-based interventions. Whether it's speech and language, occupational therapy, music, or behaviour support, all our therapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and have many years of experience.
Family support

We offer full support to ensure families are guided and involved in their child's education and development. Through ongoing communication and helpful resources, families feel confident and supported as they navigate their child's journey to adulthood.

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Meet, connect, support.

We provide continuous support to parents through open communication, regular updates, and community-building events, ensuring they feel fully involved and confident in their child's development.

Touch base meetings

Throughout the year, in addition to Annual Review meetings, we hold termly Touch Base meetings where parents can discuss their child's progress and development with teachers.

Coffee afternoons

Our  coffee afternoons provide a relaxed setting for parents to meet, share experiences, and address any concerns they may have.

Weekly newsletters

Parents get an inside look with our weekly newsletter, keeping them informed about upcoming events, classroom activities, and important announcements.

Parent Information

We offer valuable resources, along with special evening sessions and training, to ensure parents have access to key information and the support they need to help their child succeed.

Today, Yesterday, Always
Parents Rave
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Every morning when I send my daughter off to Side by Side, I feel secure in the knowledge that she is receiving the best education possible in a warm and nurturing environment.
Miriam G, Parent
Thank you for the incredible support system in place for both students and parents. The school’s commitment to ongoing communication and listening to our concerns makes us feel valued and heard.
Mr Samuel S, Parent
“Thank you for all you do, both what I know and all that I don’t! Your constant devotion and commitment are what enable my child to flourish.”
D.S, Parent
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Enable Children with Special Needs to Succeed
Help them thrive

Stand by our side

With your support, we can continue to support the special children in our community. Donate today to make a lasting impact every day.

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Side by Side
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