Side By Side School Ltd

Side By Side School Ltd (Charity number: 1159524) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing an inclusive educational and therapeutic environment for children with special needs. Established in 1998, the organisation was founded to offer tailored support where children with various disabilities and mainstream peers learn side by side, fostering both academic and developmental growth.

History

The origins of Side By Side trace back to 1999 when Mrs. Rumpler, a mother seeking suitable education for her 2-year-old son with Down Syndrome, began the initiative in her home. She envisioned a school where children with special needs could learn alongside mainstream children, promoting inclusivity and mutual understanding. In 2001, the school expanded to a dedicated space at Beis Chinuch School, accommodating about 10 students in a nurturing environment. The organisation continued to grow and, as of October 2022, moved into upgraded, state-of-the-art premises designed to maximize opportunities for children’s growth in spacious surroundings.

Mission and Approach

Side By Side aims to see beyond diagnoses and disabilities, focusing on enabling each child to reach their full potential. The school offers a broad range of services and programmes tailored to individual needs, emphasizing inclusion, awareness, and community support for children, their families, and staff. It strives to equip children with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive independently beyond their school years.

Educational Services

• Integrated Nursery: The nursery admits both mainstream children and those with special needs aged 2 to 5 years, promoting learning and play with a high staff-to-child ratio to meet diverse needs.

• Special School: Registered under the Department of Education, the Side By Side Special School caters to children aged 5 to 19, providing a unique learning environment adapted to their requirements.

• Therapy Support: The organisation employs a therapy team including Speech & Language therapists, Occupational therapists, Music therapists, and Physiotherapists. These professionals provide one-to-one support, small group sessions, and classroom-based interventions.

• Qualifications and Work Experience: Students are encouraged to achieve external qualifications such as ASDAN Programmes and Functional Skills. Work experience placements are available with strong job coaching to facilitate vocational development.

• After School Club: Designed for secondary-aged young people, this club offers varied activities, sports, and opportunities to develop key life skills.

Family and Community Support

Side By Side provides comprehensive support to families, involving them actively in their child’s education and development. Resources and guidance help parents understand their child's progress and needs, fostering a supportive home-school partnership.

Legal and Corporate Information

Side By Side School Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee without share capital, incorporated on 28 January 2014. Its registered office is located in London. The organisation operates within the sectors of pre-primary and other education not elsewhere classified, as per its SIC codes 85100 and 85590. The trustees have ambitions to further enhance facilities, including the construction of a purpose-built school building to better serve its community.

This comprehensive approach positions Side By Side School Ltd as a leading organisation in inclusive education for children with special needs in the UK, promoting integration, development, and lifelong learning opportunities.

[1] https://www.sidebyside.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/constituency-search/-/charity-details/5049741 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5049741/contact-information [4] https://www.sidebyside.org.uk/about [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/08865604