Understanding each young person
Removing barriers to learning
SEND support is central to everything we do at Berrylands School. Our specialist provision supports young people whose primary needs are social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). Young people may also have associated communication differences, autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, sensory differences, trauma or attachment needs. We work carefully to understand each young person and the support they need; we are not an autism-specific school and cannot meet every possible need. Our values guide everyday practice: we help young people be Ready, Respectful and Responsible.
Safety, relationships and readiness to learn
Many young people arrive with anxiety, disrupted education or experiences of exclusion. Our trauma-informed, relationship-led approach builds trust, supports emotional regulation and helps young people reconnect with learning. We recognise that barriers can sit within environments and systems as well as within a young person, and we work with others to remove them.
Support throughout the school day
Our nature-based environment offers consistent routines with flexible pacing. High staffing levels, small-group learning and individual opportunities help us adapt teaching to each young person’s developmental, emotional and academic starting points. Specialist support is embedded in everyday provision, so learning, relationships and regulation are supported throughout the school day.
A personalised approach
We use four simple steps: Assess, Plan, Do and Review. Observations, baseline assessments, professional advice and family knowledge inform each young person’s individual learning plan. We include young people’s views, agree priorities and review support regularly, adapting it when needs change.
EHCPs and working together
We work with families, local authorities and relevant professionals to understand needs, deliver agreed EHCP provision, contribute to annual reviews and provide evidence of progress. Placement criteria and referral arrangements are explained on our Admissions page.
Recognising progress
We value academic achievement alongside improved attendance, engagement, communication, emotional regulation, confidence and relationships. We keep academic ambition clear while recognising that progress looks different for each young person. Every step forward matters.
Your SEND contact
Ann Hutchison — SENCO and Head of Curriculum. Parents and professionals are welcome to contact Ann through the school office using the verified contact details already shown on this website.
Our SENCO
Ann Hutchinson
Teacher, SENCO and Head of Curriculum.Â
Ann Hutchison is our SENCO and Head of Curriculum, bringing over 25 years’ experience in education, much of it spent supporting children and families across the borough as a SENCO. Ann joined Berrylands to make a greater difference to young people whose needs have too often been misunderstood or overlooked by the education system. She believes meaningful support starts with understanding the young person in front of you—their strengths, their experiences and what they need to thrive.
Accountability & Performance Data
Proprietor Details
Berrylands School is owned and operated by Forest Schooling UK CIC. Responsibility for school governance and statutory compliance lies with the proprietor.
Ofsted & Inspections
As a new specialist independent school, Berrylands School is subject to regular inspection by Ofsted. Reports will be published here once available.
Performance Data
We track progress across academic, social, and emotional domains. Formal performance tables are updated annually in line with government requirements.
Statutory Disclosures
Access mandatory information including school registration, independent school standards compliance, and financial disclosures as required by law.