Welcome to Running Deer School
Progress comes from doing things differently.
If you experience problems contacting us on our landline 01647 400201, please telephone 07859 847439. Thank you.
Running Deer School is an Independent School for Special Educational Needs providing high support specialist education for young people in Devon.
Running Deer’s practical skills and therapeutic education enables young people in Devon to overcome barriers to learning; designed to stimulate and challenge them, supporting their personal development, improving confidence, self esteem, communication, social and emotional well-being.
There are various reasons why young people are unable to access mainstream education. Our student centred approach, individual timetables and high support programmes provide the best opportunities for young people to thrive in a nurturing environment.
We specialise in working with students with learning difficulties, Autism, ADHD, Trauma, social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, mental health issues and those considered hard to reach.
Running Deer School is a Trauma Informed School!
Trauma Informed in Schools overall assessment highlighted our “bespoke, practical approach to learning that is entirely focussed on learning outside in the natural environment and that offers an opportunity for children to engage in an education and develop lifelong skills where they have previously been unable to.
The success of this is down to the relationships that children have with the adults. Adults at the school are highly skilled in listening to children, responding with empathy, and understanding the needs of each child.
Adults understand that behaviour is form of communication and that the children they are supporting have experiences of trauma that has had a profound impact on them. They are skilled in adapting the environment to address these needs and in building relationships with children that promote trust and a willingness to ask for help.
School leaders are passionate about the work of the school and are continually seeking ways to improve this and develop what is offered. They work hard to support families and advocate for them when necessary. They have created an environment, culture and relationships for all children that supports and develops their resilience even in the darkest of times.”
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
You have all helped R become who he is today. From the moment I stepped foot into the magical woods I knew R had to be in this school. I cannot thank the staff, past and present, for building R up in every way. Helping him navigate the hard times and celebrating the small wins and the good times. We all wish he could stay another year!
But don’t worry we will be back!!
I honestly believe you have saved T's life and possibly mine.
"I really wanted to make sure you all know how much you have impacted all our lives , not just T. Please share the following with staff.
I honestly believe you have saved T's life and possibly mine.
When he started he was anxious , mute and terrified by all things education, I had been unable to work and sitting in car parks whilst he attended various settings for 6 years and now he is confident, resilient, and a clear direction and knows who he is !!!! This has enabled me to go back to work. His siblings to get more of my time, our whole family is happier , safer , calmer and none of it would have been possible with out running deer.
At every step you have given T a voice but on a personal level you always made sure I felt listened to and that I wasn't alone and for that I'll always be grateful. Having you in the ring with me to fight CAMHS put an end to all the professional gas lighting they were doing. He talks of you all so fondly
The jokes he shares are brilliant and we've had many laughs.
I've shed many tears about him leaving because I've never seen him more happy and the future is scary but Im hopeful that the skills and resilience he has learnt have empowered him to go forward and conquer everything he sets his mind too.
I will never ever forget the important, life changing impact you have all individually had on our family."
To Everyone at Running Deer...
Thank you
so
much for everything you have done for A! You’re all very special…
Emma - for inspiring A in art and helping create some magnificent masterpieces.
JoB for persevering with A when resistance was strong, and helping him obtain his ASDAN.
Andy, again for persevering with A and never giving up on him despite reluctance.
Nick and Sophie, for getting him through to sit his GCSE English exams - at times I never though this would be possible.
Nick again for whom none of this would be possible.
Martin for the football banter and being an all around good guy, oh and invigilating :)
All the support workers that have helped A.
Most of all to Sav. Sav, you’ve been totally incredible. Words cannot describe just how massively grateful I am that you exist and became A’s main support. You will always hold a very special place in both our hearts.