SENsational Growth
Who We Are
Our story
We established our alternative provision with a clear and deeply personal mission: to ensure that every child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is truly seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Across West Sussex, the need for tailored, flexible support continues to grow. With 14.9% of children recorded on the SEN register, a significant number of families are navigating complex educational, emotional, and social challenges. While schools work hard to meet these needs, we recognised that many children require additional, more personalised support that goes beyond the traditional classroom.
The West Sussex SEND Strategy highlights the importance of early intervention, inclusive practice, and strong collaboration between education, health, and families. It emphasises that outcomes improve when support is holistic, coordinated, and centred around the child’s individual needs. This vision resonated strongly with us—and ultimately inspired us to act.
We saw families seeking not only academic support, but also help with:
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Anxiety and school avoidance
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Emotional regulation and confidence
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Social communication and relationships
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Navigating systems and accessing the right services
Too often, these needs are addressed in isolation. We believed there had to be a better way.
Why We Exist
For some children, the traditional school environment can feel overwhelming or inaccessible at times. Others may need short-term intervention to re-engage with learning, or more consistent alternative provision to stabilise their experience. Whatever the need, we aim to provide a flexible, compassionate, and highly personalised response.
We are here to:
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Bridge gaps in provision
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Support schools and families collaboratively
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Reduce barriers to learning
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Strengthen confidence and independence
Most importantly, we are here to remind every child that they are capable, valued, and understood.
The Team
Meet the Professionals
Hayley Perry
h.perry@sensationalgrowth.co.uk
Mental Health Lead and Co- Director
Clare Ralston
Tutor Lead and Co-Director
c.ralston@sensationalgrowth.co.uk
Hayley is a qualified Adolescent Mental Health Coach with a degree in Child Psychology and a Diploma in Social Care.
She comes from a background spanning 18 years working in SEN provisions (specialist schools), Trauma informed Residential care and working with the Children and Young People's Services in West Sussex.
Her main areas of passion and expertise lie in:
- Trauma informed practise
-Autism
-ADHD
-Fearless (Triple P programme) working with children with Anxiety
Clare is a qualified Primary School teacher with Honours degree in Education, Dyslexia qualifications and is also Mental Health First Aid trained.
With over 20 years experience working within Early Years and Children's Services Clare is a driving force in encouraging children to believe in themselves, grow in confidence and develop a passion for learning.
Her main focus and expertise lie in:
- SEND practise
- Dyslexia
- Transitions
- Family Relationships