How specialist education can change young people’s lives

Birtenshaw is a charity which supports children and young people with physical disability, complex health needs and learning disability by providing education, care and therapy. The charity’s vision is to improve the quality of life for all those it supports, so they can become confident and independent members of the community. The charity believes in “ordinary life principles” to provide people with the same social and learning opportunities as others, enabling everyone to fulfil their potential. 

Harry had two visits to Birtenshaw prior to starting and immediately enjoyed spending time in the sensory rooms. He couldn’t wait to begin full-time in September, where he now accesses a full educational timetable alongside activities such as swimming and visits in the community. Harry’s favourite things to do are spending time with his peers, gardening, soft play, and sensory rooms – he particularly loves colouring and getting messy during sensory play!  

After two weeks of Harry being on roll at Birtenshaw, his mum shared positive feedback about how well he had settled into his new school:  

“The difference we’ve seen is already incredible. The transport team has been brilliant with Harry. They allow him to take a blanket, some snacks, and his headphones on the bus, which helps him feel safe and regulated both on the way to school and coming home. This small but thoughtful approach has made a big difference to his daily routine and emotional wellbeing. He gets on the bus each day feeling happy and secure. 

Harry’s 1:1 support staff in the classroom have been excellent at keeping us updated. They fill in a daily communication book that tells us how Harry has been throughout the day, including his mood, participation in learning, and any other important messages. I can also use the book to pass on messages from home, which are always picked up and responded to quickly. This two-way communication has been so reassuring and helpful. 
 
Before coming to Birtenshaw, it was heartbreaking to watch him struggle and feel like he didn’t belong. That’s why it meant so much when, just this week, Harry came home and said, “I love my new school.” That one sentence says everything about the care and commitment Birtenshaw shows to its pupils and their individual needs. 

We are already seeing a positive change in Harry’s behaviour and routines at home. He’s more settled, more confident, and genuinely excited about school. I only wish he could have started sooner. Birtenshaw is a school with strong values and a deep understanding of diversity. It doesn’t expect one size to fit all; it allows each child to be themselves and thrive in their own way. 

Harry now comes home full of stories about his day, what he watched on Newsround, what he made for snack time, or what he’s been learning. I even overheard him telling his brother that he got upset and cross about something at school, but then he paused and said, “It’s OK if you sometimes get things wrong, because you don’t have to be perfect all the time at my new school.” That moment really touched me and showed just how much Harry is already absorbing the school’s nurturing and inclusive ethos. 

Thank you, Birtenshaw School, for everything you’ve done so far. Your excellence in supporting children with individual needs and SEND is clear in every aspect, from the classroom, to the transport team. You’ve given Harry a place where he feels safe, accepted, and happy, and for that, we are truly grateful."

Stories like Harry's help illustrate why specialist education matters - this case study reflects one organisation’s work. The opportunity below relates to an investment and is subject to risk. Investing helps support organisations such as this one, but outcomes and financial returns are not guaranteed.