About Us

We are a specialist placement primary school for children experiencing symptoms of Severe, Emotional, and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD). At our school, we believe in a child-centred, connection-led, and trauma-responsive approach to education. We believe that discipline should replace punishment, and that wellbeing should be at the heart of all positive relationships.

These trauma-sensitive practices are deeply woven into the fabric of our school culture and have been embedded over many years. Trauma-informed practice is not something that happens overnight—it is something that is modelled, practiced, integrated, and continuously challenged. Our staff engage in regular reflection and supervision, enabling them to provide the highest levels of care and support.

We commend any school or institution working towards a more trauma-sensitive approach to education. Every step in the right direction is better than standing still. Language matters, yes—but don’t let the fear of not getting it perfect stop you from trying to improve outcomes for children. Remember, nobody is the finished article.

Thank you for visiting our website. Please take a moment to read what people have said about us:

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“My week at PPSS was eye-opening, informative, and inspiring. As a trainee educational psychologist and primary teacher, I was very interested in the approaches and methods used to support children with SEBD. The staff were highly skilled and deeply dedicated to ensuring that every student was cared for and nurtured. It was incredible to observe how teachers and SNAs were able to de-escalate behaviours with a focus on student safety, followed by therapeutic support and repair to help students make sense of what had happened. I was truly in awe of the level of commitment and resilience among staff, as well as how attuned they were to the psychological needs of their students. I feel very grateful to have spent a week at PPSS at this early stage of my doctoral training.”

Educational Psychology Student

“It was incredibly insightful to observe trauma-informed practice in action within this school. The use of models such as REGULATE, RELATE, REASON was clearly evident in all staff interactions with students.”

Psychology Student on Placement

“Thank you for welcoming me into your school and making me feel so supported. Even from my short visit, I can tell that this is a very special place.”

Graduate Diploma Student

“This placement will have a lasting impact on me. It has taught me a more compassionate way of understanding children with EBD, and the importance of consistent, warm, nurturing relationships in helping children build trust, self-regulate, socialise, and learn.”

Educational Psychology Student