Understand
Getting to know every learner as an individual.
Relationship First. Child Led. Education Reimagined.
Every child deserves to feelsafe enough to learn
At The DEN Provision, we specialise in supporting autistic children and young people of primary age, who are struggling to access education due to anxiety, trauma, school avoidance, exclusion or unmet need.
We believe that learning begins with trust.
Our Vision
A place where every childbelongs
We believe that no child should be defined by the educational experiences they have had before arriving at The DEN.
Our vision is to create a place where autistic children feel understood, valued and accepted exactly as they are. By building trusting relationships, reducing anxiety and celebrating each child's unique strengths, we help children reconnect with learning, develop confidence and prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.
Success looks different for every child — and we celebrate every step.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Helping children feel safe enoughto learn
Our mission is to provide highly personalised, relationship-led education for autistic children whose needs cannot currently be met within traditional educational settings.
We achieve this by:
- building trusting relationships before academic expectations
- creating calm, low-demand learning environments
- working alongside families as equal partners
- supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing
- celebrating every success, however small
- preparing children to access education in the way that is right for them
Every decision we make begins with one question: “What does this child need to feel safe enough to learn?”
Our Approach
Every learner
Every need
Every day
We take a holistic, child-centred approach that focuses on individual strengths, interests and goals.
Support
Tailored support that meets their needs.
Engage
Building connection and re-engagement.
Empower
Helping learners grow in confidence.
Learning through interests and play
A glimpse of hands-on activities, from making words and exploring numbers to getting creative and moving outside.
More learning activities (7 photos)
Our Environment
A place that doesn'tfeel like school
Many of the children who attend The DEN have experienced significant anxiety around education. That's why our environment has been designed to feel calm, welcoming and safe — rather than like a traditional classroom.
Situated in a peaceful location, The DEN provides a quiet, low-arousal environment where children can relax, build relationships and begin learning again without the pressures often associated with school.
Sometimes the most important learning happens while bouncing on a trampoline, walking outside or swinging gently beneath the trees.
Get in Touch
Four Learning Spaces
Three inside, One large outside garden for a calm, low-arousal, comfortable learning.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor areas where children can explore, breathe and learn freely.
Sensory Swing & Trampoline
Movement-based regulation and sensory activities that support wellbeing.
Quiet Breakout Spaces
Safe spaces to self-regulate, decompress and feel ready to learn.
Take a look around
Books, familiar toys and comfortable corners give children different ways to settle in and explore.
More views of our spaces (2 photos)
CorporateLiveWire Global Awards · 2026/27 Winner
SEND Learning SupportProvider of the Year
“Following a thorough review of this year’s shortlisted companies and individuals, I am delighted to share some exciting news.
You were considered in the category SEND Learning Support Provider of the Year. After carefully assessing the nominees, we are pleased to confirm that you have been selected as the 2026/27 winner. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement.”
Rustle It
Your child's progress,clearly reported
We provide in-depth reports on your child's progress, giving families and schools a clear, honest picture of every step forward.
Detailed progress tracking
Shared with families and schools
Celebrates every step forward
Meet the Team
The people behind The DEN
The DEN is led by an experienced team who are passionate about supporting autistic children and their families. Together we share one goal: to make every child feel safe, accepted, understood and proud of who they are.
Lorna Trapp
Director | Qualified Teacher | SENDCo
Cathy Atkinson
Support Assistant | Designated Safeguarding Lead | First Aid Trained
Jessica Bird
Support Assistant | ELSA Trained | Level 3 SENDCo
Safeguarding
Keeping children safe isour highest priority
Safeguarding underpins everything we do at The DEN.
We maintain robust safeguarding procedures and ensure that every member of staff receives regular safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead oversees all safeguarding practices and works closely with families, schools, local authorities and external professionals whenever needed.
We are fully compliant with current safeguarding legislation and guidance, including safer recruitment, staff training, safeguarding policies, health and safety procedures, risk assessments and information sharing protocols.
Children thrive when they feel safe — and creating that sense of safety is at the heart of everything we do.
Regular safeguarding training for all staff
Designated Safeguarding Lead on site
Fully compliant with current legislation and guidance
Admissions
How toaccess The DEN
We understand that every family's journey is different. Children may attend The DEN through several routes.
Local Authority Referral
Children with an EHCP, EOTAS package or commissioned provision can usually be referred through their Local Authority SEND Team.
Private Placement
Families are also welcome to enquire about privately funded places where availability allows.
Not sure where to start?
Please get in touch. We're always happy to answer questions, explain how The DEN works and discuss whether we may be the right provision for your child.
Simply complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Make an Enquiry
Testimonials
Trusted by families and professionals
We're proud to support autistic children who are facing challenges in mainstream school. Here's what families and professionals say about The DEN.
The Den has been an absolute lifeline for our son. Lorna's one-to-one education and emotional support have been nothing short of outstanding. She sees our child for who he truly is — celebrating his strengths, nurturing his challenges and building his confidence day by day. Our child has flourished academically and emotionally, and has never once resisted going. He looks forward to his time there knowing he's safe, understood and supported in every way.
★★★★★
The highly flexible child led approach at The Den works for our child and he has a great relationship with Lorna. He very much enjoys having someone to chat to and explore his emotions at a pace that works for him — and with the ability to move around the room or garden as much as he needs to.
★★★★★
The Den have helped my child greatly academically and to express his emotions and use his words when he is upset we don't think we could ask for anymore. Lorna and the team give 100%.
★★★★★
Every child. Every need. Every step forward.