South Liverpool specialist school earns national recognition for relationship-led learning

Abbot’s Lea School has been named the winner of the ARC (Attachment Research Community) Alex Timpson Attachment Award, within the North West special and PRU category.

The Woolton school received the award in recognition of its unwavering commitment to creating a culture where relationships, emotional wellbeing and a deep understanding of each child’s needs are at the heart of learning.

The prestigious ARC Alex Timpson Awards celebrate schools and educational settings that demonstrate excellence in attachment-aware and trauma-informed practice. They recognise organisations that create safe, nurturing environments where children and young people can thrive.

A relationship-first approach to learning

The specialist school delivers high-quality, holistic education for students aged three to 19 living with autism and other complex needs. It has built it’s approach on a simple but powerful principle: children learn best when they feel safe.

Many autistic learners experience the world through heightened sensory responses, communication differences and uncertainty. For others, early experiences of adversity, instability or disrupted care further influence their emotional development and capacity to engage in learning.

Recognising these complex needs, Abbot’s Lea School has moved away from traditional behaviourist approaches based on rewards and sanctions. Instead, it has embraced a relational, attachment-aware model. It seeks to understand behaviour as communication, responding with empathy, curiosity and co-regulation.

Transforming practice through understanding

Headteacher, Mrs Ania Hildrey, drove the school’s transformation. Anya’s vision was to create a school where relationships are the primary intervention. Challenging behaviour is understood as a form of communication rather than merely a defiance and staff respond to distress with curiosity, empathy and readiness to help with emotional co-regulation.

Central to that vision is empowering students to develop self-awareness, voice and a sense of agency.

To support this approach, the school has invested in an in-house multidisciplinary team. It brings together specialists in positive behaviour support, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy. Students co-produce their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Personal Education Plans (PEPs). This approach ensures their voices are central to decisions about their learning and development.

Support beyond the classroom

The school’s commitment extends beyond the classroom through a dedicated 52-week safeguarding team. It provides consistent support to students and families throughout the year.

The school has also established an in-house ADHD clinic in partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. This helps to reduce anxiety and minimise disruption to learning.

Mrs Hildrey commented:

“This award is a tremendous honour and reflects the commitment, compassion and professionalism of every member of the Abbot’s Lea School community.

“We know that meaningful learning can only happen when children feel safe, understood and valued. By placing relationships at the centre of everything we do, we have created an environment where our students can flourish both emotionally and academically. We are incredibly proud that our work has been recognised by the Attachment Research Community.”

Abbot’s Lea School was nominated for this award by the headteacher of Virtual School Liverpool, Carolyn Lawler.

Carolyn said:

“I was proud to nominate Abbot’s Lea School for this award because it exemplifies what happens when relationships are placed at the heart of education. The school’s commitment to understanding, nurturing and championing every child, particularly those with the most complex needs, is extraordinary.

“Through compassion, expertise and an unwavering belief that no child should ever be left behind, Abbot’s Lea has transformed lives and has become a shining example of inclusive practice, both locally and nationally. Congratulations to the school community – they are very worthy winners!”