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thehavenonline.bsky.social
The Haven online school
@thehavenonline.bsky.social
36 followers 1 following 69 posts
Education ReImagined: an online school designed for brilliant, different minds created by Autistic Girls Network.
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thehavenonline.bsky.social
At The Haven, recovery isn’t rushed, it’s nurtured. We create a calm, supported pathway back into learning for learners who need time, understanding, & a fresh start. Ready to explore whether The Haven could be the right next step for your child? https://thehavenonline.school
"A Place for Recovery and Renewal." Below it are five rounded blue panels listing supportive offerings: a gentle on-ramp back into structured learning, time and space to process past educational trauma, tools for understanding sensory needs and cognitive differences, strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence, and opportunities to rediscover the natural joy of learning. The Haven logo appears at the bottom.
December 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Our online learning centre helps neurodivergent learners discover their authentic selves, connect with peers, and learn in ways that honour how they think and grow. Learn more about our team approach on our website.
"Please try not to put me on the spot, consider how I might feel anxious waiting in a queue or not grasping the point of an exercise. Give me time." Vicky.
December 8, 2025 at 8:02 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Belonging isn’t about blending in. It’s about being welcomed, supported, and celebrated exactly as you are. You never have to change who you are to belong here. 
Find out more about how we do things differently - https://thehavenonline.school/about-us/
We’re not here to fit in, we’re here to belong, just as we are.
December 3, 2025 at 8:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Understanding this can make a world of difference in how we provide support. These responses are signs of overwhelm, stress |& unmet needs. When we can recognise what’s happening, we can respond with compassion & create nurturing environments where people feel understood, supported & empowered.
What's the difference between autistic meltdown, shutdown and burnout? Short term response to experiencing intense overload and lack of control can result in: Shutdown - Inward response, usually characterised by withdrawal into self. Or Meltdown - Outward response, usually explosive in nature. Longer term, ongoing state as a result of having reached the limit of coping strategies can result in Burnout - Exhaustion, loss of skills and increased episodes of shutdowns and / or meltdowns.
December 1, 2025 at 8:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
We understand how exhausting it can be for families to repeatedly explain their child’s needs, only to feel unheard or dismissed. Everything we do at The Haven is done with our families, as a team. Giving our learners an experience built on emotional safety, understanding & truth is vital.
"What one thing do you wish your teachers knew? “I wish you would understand that even though I look fine, I’m petrified. Please go with the suggestions my mum and I have come up with to make me feel better at school. Even if you don’t see what my mum is saying, it is the truth.” Rosa.
November 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
We've created an empowering learning environment for teachers & learners alike. Our learning space, facilitated by neurodivergent teachers, is specifically designed to be flexible for neurodivergent learners.
“To build truly neuroinclusive school systems, we must go beyond reactive accommodations and toward proactive transformation. This means redesigning systems with meaningful participation of neurodivergent voices.”
November 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Tell us your questions in the comments or send us a DM and we’ll work on creating content that gives you answers to the questions that really matter.
November 19, 2025 at 8:01 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Feeling like the ‘quiet, good student’ can be a heavy burden. In her powerful new post, Lara Rodwell reflects on growing up as the quiet, high-achieving student and the emotional cost that came with it. https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/autism-and-loneliness-the-cost-of-being-the-quiet-good-student/
“We need to break the cycle autistic girls are often conditioned into: adapt, perform, comply, repeat.” Lara Rodwell
November 17, 2025 at 8:01 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
It can be hard to find an alternative education environment that truly supports neurodivergent young people. Here, wellbeing isn’t an add-on, it’s the heart of everything we do. A calm, supportive, neurodiversity-affirming space where children can finally feel safe enough to learn, grow & thrive.
A young person sitting on a bed smiles and makes an “OK” hand sign while looking at a laptop in front of them. The laptop displays The Haven’s logo. Text beside them reads “Safety before syllabus.”
November 16, 2025 at 7:43 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Quiet moments make a big difference, a listening ear, a kind word, a helping hand. At The Haven we create spaces where every act of care helps light the way.
#WorldKindnessDay
"I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love" J.R.R. Tolkien
November 13, 2025 at 8:02 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
We create a calm, nurturing environment where neurodivergent young people can truly thrive, free from pressure, full of acceptance, and supported to rediscover the joy of learning. Learn more about our approach https://thehavenacademy.school/
A woman and a young girl sit together on a bed, smiling as they look at a tablet. Text on the image reads, “Here, the worry lifts, and the joy comes back.” The Haven logo appears below the text.
November 12, 2025 at 8:02 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Our founder, Cathy, had a great chat with Dale at @thesendcast.bsky.social  about all we do at The Haven and @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social  listen here -
Specialist Online Provision for Neurodivergent Learners with Cathy Wassell
The mainstream school environment can be overwhelming for many neurodivergent students, with sensory overload and social challenges often creating significant barriers to learning. Today, we explore an alternative educational pathway that removes these obstacles – a ‘Specialist Online Provision for Neurodivergent Learners’.
thesendcast.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:02 AM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
From biology to beautiful illustrations, our learners' work shows how imagination and understanding go hand in hand.
When science meets art at The Haven. Beautiful illustrations accompanying written work by another of our learners. An illustration of a colourful bird. Alongside is a diagram of a heart accompanied by text describing the make up of a heart. Beautiful illustrations accompanying written work by another of our learners. An illustration of a flowering plant accompanied by text describing osmosis.
October 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
By the time families find us, many have already faced countless challenges trying to find the right support. We’re not here to add to that struggle, we’re here to champion you. To listen, to understand, and to work alongside you.
We’re not here to challenge you. We’re here to champion you.
October 22, 2025 at 6:39 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
We recognise that these apparent opposites are part of the unique beauty and complexity of AuDHD, we see every combination of traits as expressions of the same brilliant mind, full of depth, energy and potential.
AuDHD: Spontaneous. Needs routine. Craves new. Needs familiarity. Prefers relaxed environment. Likes order. Values swift choices. Thinks through decisions. Preoccupied with creative thoughts. Focus on details. Focus on the moment. Good memory for facts. Struggles with change. Enjoys a dynamic environment. Needs time alone to recharge. Busy & chatty with others. Organised. Disorganised. Likes to be on time. Time blindness. Monotropic focus. Focus shifts quickly between topics. Impulsive. Planner.
October 17, 2025 at 6:01 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it shouldn’t be. At The Haven, we honour every child’s uniqueness and guide them to discover joy in learning. That’s the heart of The Haven Promise.
The Haven Promise. Every learner at The Haven is: Met with respect, not judgement. Nurtured with co-regulation to develop emotional literacy. Taught in a way that honours their brain. Supported to rediscover joy in learning. Prepared to thrive in a changing world. Met with respect, not judgement. Nurtured with co-regulation to develop emotional literacy. Taught in a way that honours their brain. Supported to rediscover joy in learning. Prepared to thrive in a changing world.
October 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
ADHD doesn’t have one look, it’s a blend of strengths, challenges and amazing potential. 
When we take time to understand each young person, we open the door to learning that truly fits them. 

#ADHDAwarenessMonth
A young girl looking into the distance. Overlaid text reads - ADHD can look like... Impulsive. Forgetful. Entrepreneurial. Risk taking. Adaptable. Diving deeply into passions. Problem solving abilities. Strong visual skills. Difficulty concentrating. Procrastination. Time management challenges.
October 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
You’ve done enough explaining. Enough proving. Enough battling. You don’t have to fight to be understood here, this is a place of belonging and support for our learners and their families.
You don’t have to explain, justify, or battle anymore. We get it, and we’ve got you.
October 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Chat with us about all things The Haven and Autistic Girls Network!
We're exhibiting. Come & meet us at TES SEND Show 2025! Stand: E23. 10-11 October 2025. Business Design Centre. Register for free tessendshow.co.uk
October 9, 2025 at 5:03 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
October 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
October 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
October 1, 2025 at 6:02 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
Safety comes first, learning will follow.
September 29, 2025 at 6:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
September 24, 2025 at 7:31 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
Chat with us about all things Autistic Girls Network and The Haven! Find out more over at www.https://tessendshow.co.uk/
September 18, 2025 at 8:30 PM