Award-winning Haven School celebrates 10th anniversary

The specialist school started the celebrations by bringing The Haven community together.

The Haven School is celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2024. Based in Mold, the award-winning school offers specialist provision for 11 to 19-year-olds with autism. Part of Autism Initiatives charity, The Haven encourages children to reach their full potential, adopting a nurturing and flexible approach to education.

On Wednesday 7 February, celebrations started in style, as The Haven welcomed its community of learners, families, staff, friends and associates to join the festivities.  The fun-filled day involved tours of the school and a variety of games created by the learners themselves. Guests were treated to delicious home-baked refreshments from students, and heard The Haven’s very own birthday anthem, accompanied by photographs of the learners in action.

Karen Burt, Headteacher at The Haven School, said: “I am delighted to be celebrating The Haven’s 10^th birthday with our learners, their families, staff and friends and associates. It is wonderful to think that The Haven has been making a difference to young people and their families in our local community for 10 years.

In the 5 years that I have been at The Haven, I have seen it go from strength to strength. It is an honour to be part of a team that puts the learners at the forefront of their practice, nurturing, encouraging, supporting and challenging them to overcome barriers and engage in a wide range of activities, both within the school environment and in the community. We are all very excited to have been nominated for a local education award.”

The day of celebrations also offered families the valuable opportunity to connect and support each other, as many parents can feel isolated. One parent of a learner at The Haven said: “We count ourselves unbelievably lucky to have been able to have The Haven as our child’s school. He has never been so settled, or had such a close group of friends, both pupils and staff alike. It genuinely does feel like a family, and we couldn’t wish for a better placement! The understanding of his needs and ways in which they can support him best is second to none, the progression we have seen academically, personally and socially has been so striking and we have the Haven to thank for that.”

Another parent shared:  “For me, The Haven has changed our life, it’s like being part of a family. I’ve made friends, my daughter has made friends and she looks forward to school, which has never happened before.”

As The Haven continues to grow and adapt to its learners, we look forward to seeing what the future has in store, and would like to congratulate the community at The Haven for all of their hard work!

Autism Initiatives has worked in partnership with autistic people and families for more than 50 years, working alongside families to support the needs of every individual student.  To find out more about The Haven, please visit https://www.thehavenschool.co.uk/