Accessible Learning –

A UNIQUE new school in Rochford has just opened, offering therapeutic “raw learning” to children with additional needs, who are not in mainstream education.

 The new “forest school” offers a therapeutic alternative education for children aged between five and 16-years-old.

 It has been opened by Rachel King, 48, from Southend, who has 25 years’ experience as a teacher.

 Rachel quit her role so she could focus on creating the new Raw Learning school based off Brays Lane, in Rochford.

 The aim of the school lies in helping children and young people with additional needs, but who have additional, or suspected additional needs, such, might become more physically confident by connecting with nature

 The school was officially opened Friday September 27th with Southend East and Rochford Labour MP, Bayo Alaba in attendance.

 Rachel said: “I am so excited to open this school. We believe every child has a human right to thrive despite their differences.

 “It is a moderate learning difficulties complex set in nature. These differences often mean these children go on to be too highly represented in our mental health clinics or criminal justice system and we know how this can be prevented.

 “This year we will only have 20 children in each of our session while we increase funding to build a proper centre to facilitate health and educational support for neurodivergent children and their families.

 “We are delivering the opportunities to gain the skills for jobs for these young people by teaching so they can grow into confident self-sufficient adults.”

MP Mr Alaba commented: “Breaking down barriers to opportunity is a huge priority for me here in the constituency.

 “There are no quick fixes here, but I firmly believe that we need to move beyond the ‘one size fits all’ approach to education, especially when it comes to SEND provision. Rachel and Raw Learning are making this happen, offering a hands-on experience in an outdoor setting and delivering the services our young people need.

 “It is a real privilege that this is being done for the first time in Rochford.”

Julie Gooding, chair of the Rochford health and wellbeing board, added: “This is so important and needed, it really is a precious opportunity for learning in the right environment for young people.

 “I am fully supportive and hope that others see the benefits and value that this brings for suspected and diagnosed neurodivergent individuals, and that they get the desperately needed funding to continue their work.”

Picture: Rachel and MP Mr Alaba – by Rachel King.

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