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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · 8h

If it feels different here, that’s because it is. Every interaction is designed to make neurodivergent students feel safe, understood, and able to thrive, exactly as they are. Head to our website to find out more about The Haven difference.

A girl learns online from her bedroom desk. Overlaid text reads - If it looks different here, it's because it is.

The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · 2d

So much more than online learning, The Haven is a space where learning adapts, strengths shine, and every young person belongs. Read more about our approach on our blog - https://bit.ly/HavenApproach

The Haven is more than just a school, it’s a carefully crafted environment where.

Learning is tailored - Education is adapted to meet individual needs and preferences.
Strengths are nurtured - Talents and abilities are identified
and fostered.
Community is built - Learners connect with peers who understand and support them.
Wellbeing is prioritised - Emotional and mental health are valued alongside academic success. Individuality is celebrated - Learners are encouraged to be their authentic selves.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · 7d

Some beautiful examples of digital design practice by Amy and Niamh in our Back to Balance Learning programme. This programme gives learners a sanctuary to decompress, understand their brain, and rediscover the joy of learning.

#OnlineLearning #AlternativeProvision #EOTAS #Neurodivergent

Beautiful digital images created by learners at The Haven. Niamh has created a butterfly, Amy has drawn a cat and 2 smaller animals.

The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · 9d

Safety comes first, learning will follow. At The Haven, we put wellbeing at the heart of everything, so our learners can thrive emotionally as well as academically.

The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · 14d

Your child doesn’t need to “fit in” to feel like they belong. Every learner has the right to feel safe, supported, and understood. That’s why we work closely with families to personalise each young person's journey, ensuring their needs are met and their strengths can shine.

Adjustments aren’t extras, they’re essentials.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · 20d

Chat with us about all things Autistic Girls Network and The Haven! Find out more over at www.https://tessendshow.co.uk/

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · 27d

This week has seen the start of our very first learning journeys together at The Haven. These first days are gentle ones, spent nurturing trust, connection, and understanding. ❤️

Trust grows strongest through steady, gentle beginnings.

The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · 29d

Discover more about neurodivergent brains and how that shapes our approach to providing a supportive environment for neurodivergent learners - https://bit.ly/NDbrains

When autistic learners say they See More, Hear More, Smell More, Taste More, and Feel More, they’re not being dramatic or speaking metaphorically. They are literally experiencing the world at a higher definition than most people.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Sep 5

Carol is a molecular biologist who was awarded a Nobel Prize. Her story isn’t about overcoming something to become someone, it’s about how thinking differently can lead to exceptional discoveries. At The Haven, we believe in nurturing every student’s unique way of thinking.

“Perhaps my ability to pull more information out of context and to put together different ideas may have been affected by what I learned to do from dyslexia.” Carol Greider, Nobel Prize Winner.

The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Sep 3

A new kind of learning space is here! Created with neurodivergent young people at the heart of every decision.
Stay connected to hear more about The Haven, from our founder, Cathy Wassell, CEO of @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social

The Haven. Who - 12-17 year old neurodivergent
girls and non-binary young people. What - A neuro-affirming,
trauma-informed online learning centre. Why - To provide an option for neurodivergent learners who can’t access traditional education settings. Where - Online learning with in person meet-ups and days out. When - Launches September 2025.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Sep 1

Our Youth Advisory Board has officially met for the first time! Made up of 25 incredible young people, the board will play a key role in shaping AGN and The Haven's work, ensuring youth voices are always at the heart of what we do.

What did we talk about at our first Youth Advisory Board meeting?

Image of Karen Cowan Overlaid text reads - Getting views on the current onboarding process for The Haven.

Image of Claire Grayshan Overlaid text reads - Gathering input on how Autistic Girls Network can create a space for young people to connect.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Aug 29

Our structure allows us to give young people real choice and control in their learning which is vital for so many neurodivergent learners. Discover how we support those who find traditional education isn’t the right fit over on our website.

A different approach is needed, one that respects the child’s views, and puts them in control of their learning; education that starts with empowerment rather than compliance. Naomi Fisher.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Aug 25

For some young people, the right adjustments within a mainstream school can make all the difference. But for others, the traditional system still isn’t the right fit.
The Haven provides another option for families through our EOTAS / EOTIS and Alternative Provision offer.

Image on young girl wearing headphones working on laptop. Overlaid text reads - The number of pupils with Education, Health and Care plans has doubled since 2016. Source DfE.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Aug 21

Our strength-based approach isn't about ignoring challenges, but about empowering learners by building on their inherent talents, fostering confidence, & creating a positive & engaging learning experience where every mind can truly shine. Read more about how we do this https://bit.ly/HAVENSBL

Why is Strength-Based Learning Crucial for Neurodivergent Learners? Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem. Facilitates Skill Development. Increases Engagement and Motivation. Enhances Learning Strategies. Promotes a Growth Mindset.

How The Haven Integrates Strength-Based Learning. Identifying Individual Strengths. Varied Assessment Methods. Personalised Learning Pathways. Project-Based Learning. Opportunities for Self-Expression. Celebrating Achievements. Mentorship and Guidance.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Aug 18

It can feel overwhelming to know where to turn when you're worried about your child's education or wellbeing. We offer an approach built especially for neurodivergent learners. If your young person needs a fresh start, we’re ready to walk that journey with your family. https://bit.ly/HavenReg

Whether your child is home educated, between placements, experiencing emotionally based school non-attendance, or just needs a reset, we’re here.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Aug 17

Many neurodivergent learners ‘mask’ at school, working hard to blend in, this can be exhausting. We created The Haven for neurodivergent young people sothey have a learning space where they can feel free to be themselves. Find out more about what that looks like over on our website.

Graphic of an iceberg. Title reads: Neurodivergent masking at school. Above the water line, text reads - What is seen: Compliant. Eager to please. Conscientious. Well behaved. Shy. Below the water line, text reads - What is not seen: Anxiety. Exhaustion. Constant worry. Panic attacks. Stomach aches. Social confusion. Need for perfection. Highly sensitive to criticism. Feeling isolated.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Aug 12

There is no “right” or “normal” way of being. We are all different and we all deserve an education that works for us. Head to our website to find out about our approach.

Disorder. Deficit. Difference. The words disorder and deficit are crossed out.

At The Haven we identify strengths to build a positive neurodivergent identity.

The Haven education reimagined by Autistic Girls Network. Registrations open for September 2025.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Aug 4

Young people with SEND have legal rights to an education that meets their needs, those legal rights are under threat. We support the #SaveOurChildrensRights campaign, which calls on government to abandon plans that weaken the legal framework & put futures at risk. www.saveourchildrensrights.org.uk

Children's legal rights are under threat. Join the Save Our Children's Rights campaign to protect the law for children and young people with SEND.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Jul 31

The beauty of online learning at The Haven is that our learners can create the learning environment that works for them with our support. Find out more about how we work differently over on our website and if you have any questions drop us a message!

Questions from young people. During a session
is it ok if I...Chew gum? Walk around? Lie on the floor? Fidget? YES!

We support you to do what helps you focus. You might be dyspraxic and find lying on the floor much more comfortable than sitting on a chair. You might have few or no words or be situationally mute, you have the option to type or write your responses instead. You might have ADHD and focus better when you can move, so feel free to stand, walk around while working. You might feel calmer and more focused when your hands are busy, so you can use a fidget tool during sessions.

If you can still engage with the session and do whatever you need to do, go for it!

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Jul 30

Our online school is specifically designed for neurodivergent young people, creating an environment where unique thinking patterns aren’t just accommodated, they’re celebrated.

The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Jul 29

Embracing our neurodivergent learners exactly as they are.

✨ Calm space
✨ Flexibility
✨ Sensory-friendly virtual classrooms
✨ Clear, compassionate communication

Find out more about our approach over on our website.

Image of a girl sat on a sofa upside down while reading a book. Overlaid text reads - Adapt the environment, not the person.

The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Jul 23

Ready for the Midlands Neurodiversity Show!
Come and find us at Coventry Building Society Arena.

The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Jul 21

At The Haven, our approach is built on four core cornerstones designed for neurodivergent learners. Personalised, flexible, affirming education that works with the student, not against them. Read more - https://bit.ly/havencornerstones

What does it really take for neurodivergent learners to thrive? Our 4 cornerstones for building neurodivergent success in an
online learning environment. Community & mentoring. Entrepreneurship. Learning & curriculum. Self expression and recovery & transition support.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Jul 17

The Haven’s educators don’t get generic training, they’re trained using programmes created by @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social , created specifically for the unique needs of neurodivergent learners like ours. That means expert understanding and lived-experience-led support designed for our learners.

Do our teachers have neurodiversity training? We WROTE the training.

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The Haven online school @thehavenonline.bsky.social · Jul 16

One-size-fits-all learning doesn’t work for every young person. Some thrive in person, others online. At The Haven, we personalise learning around each learner’s pace, passions, and unique thinking. Looking for something different? Discover our approach https://thehavenacademy.school/

We’re not right for everyone, and that’s kind of the point.

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