At Beormund Special School the focus is to ensure pupils feel they belong. Appreciating the child in the context of school, family and their wider social systems is part of the whole school strategy. Psychotherapist Judith Hemming has worked with staff to explore what is termed the Systemic Approach to encourage the children and their families to be included. Each day begins with basic skills where pupils who have experienced failure at other schools are given the opportunity to succeed. Tea and toast is a daily highlight and the pupils take time out with staff to relax and learn social skills. Massage is also on the agenda as pupils work in pairs to ease their tensions. Two parents talk about how the school works in partnership with them and some of the pupils reveal their ambitions for the future. For them, anything seems possible.

Video Series: Special Schools
Release Date 2006