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thehavenonline.bsky.social
The Haven online school
@thehavenonline.bsky.social
33 followers 1 following 62 posts
Education ReImagined: an online school designed for brilliant, different minds created by Autistic Girls Network.
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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
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
September 11, 2025 at 7:02 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
September 9, 2025 at 6:31 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
September 5, 2025 at 6:02 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
September 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
September 1, 2025 at 6:02 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
August 29, 2025 at 8:02 PM
thehavenonline.bsky.social
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.
August 25, 2025 at 6:31 PM