Personal Development

Personal Development at The Place Independent School

At The Place Independent School, Personal Development is central to who we are. We believe every young person deserves to feel safe, understood and empowered to grow, emotionally, socially and academically, regardless of their past experiences. Our strengths-based, attachment-informed approach supports the children and young people to build resilience, confidence and life skills that prepare them for the future.

Our Approach

Our Personal Development provision is:

  • Therapeutic and relational: guided by the PLACE Model (Playfulness, Love, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) and underpinned by Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy principles. 
  • Individualised: tailored to each child and young person’s emotional, behavioural and learning needs. 
  • Experiential: often delivered through meaningful engagement in woodland and farm settings. 
  • Holistic: interwoven through academic learning, wellbeing work, daily routines and community experiences.

What Personal Development Means to Us

We support the children and young people to:

  • Understand themselves, regulate emotions and manage behaviour positively. 
  • Develop trusting relationships with adults and peers. 
  • Communicate effectively and express needs in healthy ways. 
  • Make safe, informed decisions, including in online and everyday contexts. 
  • Grow independence, self-advocacy and life skills. 
  • Build a positive identity, purpose and sense of belonging. This development is practical and grounded in real-world contexts, helping children and young people transfer skills beyond the classroom.

How It Happens

Our Personal Development work is embedded throughout school life: 

  • Therapeutic Engagement: consistent, responsive support that promotes emotional insight and self-management. 
  • Outdoor and Animal-Assisted Learning: activities like woodland exploration and farm care help children and young people to regulate, connect and learn collaboratively.
  • Daily Interactions and Routines: social opportunities are used to practise skills such as turn taking, communication and problem-solving.
  • Real-Life Experiences: community visits, reflective activities and purposeful challenges that build confidence and independence.

Preparing for the Future

From Year 1 through to Year 13, children and young people are supported to set personal goals, reflect on progress and build towards adulthood with practical skills and self-belief. We work closely with families, carers and external professionals to ensure transitions whether into school or beyond are positive and empowering.

Our Impact

Through our supportive, strengths-based environment, children and young people at The Place Independent School:

  • Become more confident and resilient. 
  • Develop stronger emotional regulation and relationship skills. 
  • Gain independence and practical life skills. 
  • Grow in self-awareness and purpose. 

We aim for every young person to leave our school feeling valued, prepared and equipped with the personal skills to thrive in life beyond education.