About Us

We believe that when young people have opportunities to

• be listened to
• be leaders
• take responsibility & make a contribution
• be acknowledged & be treated with respect
• have their feelings supported & their frustrations attended to

Show Understanding

We seek to understand the needs of the child and develop responses that bring about the best outcomes for all.

This means that we can't have “one rule for all policies” or quick fixes. We understand that finding the best response and bringing about significant long term change in young people takes time and patience.

Non-aversive Strategies

We don't apply punishment or extrinsic reward systems. Instead, we apply non-aversive strategies, which involve understanding why a young person is behaving in challenging ways, and teaching more appropriate ways to meet their needs.

Through these strategies, we promote deep intrinsic motivation, personal awareness and self advocacy.

Student focussed

We remain vigilant about our tone, pitch, posture and intent when addressing issues. In particular, we avoid any responses driven by our own needs for power and control or status, recognition and authority.

This is not to say we relinquish responsibility or accountability, instead it steers our approach ensuring we work alongside the child, nurturing and co-modelling success.

The Enablement Model

We apply our pioneering Enablement Model, which combines six key elements: family, self-reliance, visualisation, esteem, identity and perspective, to lead young people to greater maturity and engage them in learning.

We apply the principles of RESPECT: for ourselves, for those around us, for our environment, for equipment, materials and belongings.

We support the RSA's Education for the 21st Century Charter.