Nurturing children Through education
Merrywood Education follows a model of nurturing children through education, based on the neuro science of developmental trauma.
Merrywood has a unique way in which we work with children, using neuroscience to better understand the science behind trauma and behaviours, seeing behaviour as a language and a symptom.
We have developed a model of ‘Nurturing Children Through Education’; a model that keeps the school family in the centre of families’ and children’s future progression. We walk hand in hand with families and provide trauma informed family support. We believe that together we can achieve more and that parents’ knowledge is key to the progression of our children.
As Merrywood continues to grow, it is our aim to offer more and more therapeutic educational services to other local authorities, train mainstream schools and offer an outreach service that will reduce the number of children being excluded from educational settings. We want every child to thrive!
Merrywood’s main focus is to nurture and support children educationally, socially, morally and physically. Our four priorities are:
Providing a stable, home like, consistent and therapeutic environment in which children can develop respect, self-esteem and an ability to value themselves and others
Developing the child’s own moral values and self-awareness
Providing a framework in which children develop an understanding of their personal strengths, needs and capabilities
Facilitating academic progress that will enable the children to successfully access the next phase in their education
WE MEET OUR PRIORITIES BY:
● Instilling a desire to learn by setting relevant targets, providing appropriate support, and rewarding achievement
● Developing lively, enquiring minds fostered by increasingly independent learning
● Encouraging parents to be active partners in their children’s education
● Fostering self-reliance and motivation
● Providing a safe, stimulating and nurturing learning environment
● Encouraging children to act creatively and with imagination
● Supporting an understanding of the children’s pasts which will help them to live successfully in the present, and to plan intelligently for the future
● Promoting cooperation in all aspects of school life
● Facilitating discussions, debate and learning how to value the differences and diversity within our school
SAFETY
SECURITY
EQUALITY
THERAPY WITHIN
EDUCATION
Therapy Dogs
Our therapy dogs are trained to provide affection… MORE
Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapist supports our children’s physical … MORE
Play Therapy
Educational Psychology
The role of our educational psychologist is to increase our children’s … MORE
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy is integrated into our curriculum … MORE
WILDERNESS THERAPY | AND MORE
Our core aim is to provide a nurturing space for children to grow educationally, emotionally, morally and socially. Children develop a deep understanding of themselves as an individual and a connected part of society. They learn to understand and value themselves and their unique offering and grow an appreciation of learning, realising their ability to engage with education.
“Pupils describe Merrywood as a ‘loving, safe and happy place where we achieve more than just an education’ Ofsted Nov 2021”
Michelle Quayle
Executive Head
MICHELLE QUAYLE – Behavioural Consultant, Social Change Activist, Founder of Personal Independence & Merrywood Education – Michelle for over a decade has had a goal of changing the life trajectories of children and young people who have experienced trauma and been affected by the system.
Michelle’s message is clear…every child should be given the opportunity to thrive and feel safe, secure and equal within their schooling environment. She has worked tirelessly to show that inclusion and consistency are key for children to meet and exceed expectations.
Michelle’s extensive range of qualifications include: Independent Domestic Violence Advisory, Youth Violence, Social Sciences, and Counter Terrorism.
She has dedicated her career to developing and creating several unique and innovative services to meet the needs of the most vulnerable young people.
A keen advocate of sharing good practice, Michelle has travelled to Gothenburg to spread the theory, service and impact.
Over the last two years Michelle has expanded services across 10 high priority London boroughs. She works with law enforcers and professionals such as the Metropolitan Police Service, Surrey Police Service and Youth Justice Boards and sits on the Metropolitan Police Service Violent Task Force and Task Force steering groups.
VIEW THE PEOPLE OF MERRYWOOD
STAFF STRUCTURE
