Welcome to Running Deer School

Progress comes from doing things differently.

"Running Deer School runs a unique provision for pupils with SEMH needs."


"Pupils are increasingly well prepared for their next stage in their education. This is reflected in all former pupils going onto to sustained education, employment, or training." OFSTED May 2024.


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.”

Trauma Informed School

"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."



"I can’t quite believe K’s time has come to an end at Running Deer. Thank you for the kindness and love you all have shown K in her years at Running Deer.


It is the first time she has ever known what she has been doing at school, where she has been fully involved with her heart and soul. I feel she arrived, not even wanting to cling onto life. You all, plus the staff who are no longer there, the trees, the dogs, (especially Herbie) breathed new life into her her heart and soul.

Thank you for persevering, for never giving up even when she was a tricky customer covered in layers and layers of masking. For just allowing her to gently unfold and blossom in her own time.


You just let K be K and she has thrived. Neither of us will ever forget Running Deer."



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