High Peak School has introduced the Raise Learning Hub to offer two alternative learning pathways – Raise Outdoors or Raise Therapeutic.

The school supports children who are autistic and have ADHD and SEMH difficulties. It has an in-house clinical team and extensive outdoor education provision.

Raise was developed as children’s needs shifted post COVID-19 – both for existing pupils and those being referred. Although highly specialist already, some young people needed something different to help maintain placements, or find somewhere to meet their needs. In recent years, up to 30% of its referrals have been for children affected by social anxiety and EBSA and whose needs could not be met in any other setting. Existing pupils, post COVID, had evolving needs too.

The school wanted to help these children who are not ‘classroom learners’ and developed the Raise pathways to offer bespoke learning for children who might otherwise not find or maintain school places.

It has developed two pathways (A) Raise Outdoors and (B) Raise Therapeutic. Neither is age specific and is tailored to meet individual needs. Both include access to core subjects and to gaining qualifications including ASDAN, Open Awards, Functional skills and GCSEs, but with learning delivered in a way which suits the child. Both also include access to in-house therapeutic support.

The introduction of Raise’s two alternative learning pathways has already seen Increased engagement and attendance from pupils.

Raise Outdoors

This pathway takes full advantage of High Peak’s location and outdoor activities to help young people with SEMH and ASC challenges regain their confidence and build trusting relationships. They take the view that before they can work on the academic curriculum they need to rebuild self-esteem and resilience so then the child will be ready to learn.

Timetables are designed around the child and include climbing, mountain-biking, volunteering with the National Trust, hillwalking and other outdoor pursuits, which are combined with learning while outdoors. (See supporting evidence for sample timetables). These are combined with knowledge sessions (so it’s not all action!), emotional literacy sessions and reading every day.

There has been a recorded significant decrease in incidents and increased engagement and enhanced attendance as a result of Raise Outdoors for this young people.

Raise Therapeutic

The therapeutic pathway of the Raise Hub is designed to meet the needs of children who are autistic, may have ADHD or issues with trauma and attachment. It benefits young people who are not classroom learners, who struggle with transitions and who need to feel safe in a quieter environment which does not feel like school. The Therapeutic Pathway Hub is decorated and designed in a way that is very low demand.

Raise Therapeutic is aiming to not only teach practical skills and increase resilience, it introduces routine and structure while including therapeutic interventions including animal therapy, reflexology and a focus on well-being. Children have joined either immediately or in slow phased transitions.

There has been an increase in young people’s ability to self-calm and there has been a complete reduction in incidents of self-harm for children engaged in the Raise Therapeutic pathway.

Across both pathways, young people are achieving accreditations and qualifications, not just in academic subjects. They are building secure relationships with staff and instructors. A baseline is being created for each child, tracking their progress for emotional literacy, therapy attendance, resilience, independence and confidence.

Fundamentally. children who would otherwise not be in school are positively engaged and learning.