As a new school year begins, we know it can bring a whole mix of emotions. 📚
In this special message, Angela Evans, Head of Learning Services, shares some reassuring words for neurodivergent pupils everywhere who are preparing for their return to school.
Whether you’re feeling excited, anxious, overwhelmed, or a little bit of everything, it’s okay. New beginnings and transitions can take time, and it’s important to approach them at a pace that feels right for you. 🩵
At our Sensational Learning Centre, we’ve been getting everything ready for the new school year, creating welcoming spaces where every pupil can feel safe, understood and supported.
Wherever you’re starting the new school year, we hope Angela’s message reminds you to be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time. 🥰
Exam results week is a crucial reminder for employers: traditional hiring practices often miss extraordinary talent.
With youth unemployment at an 11-year high, businesses can`t afford to let rigid hiring practices hold them back.
Traditional interviews and a heavy reliance on academic achievement frequently screen out neurodivergent candidates who bring exceptional skills, fresh perspectives and innovative ways of thinking to the table.
It`s time to evaluate HOW we hire, not just WHO we hire. When we strip away unnecessary barriers in recruitment, we unlock a massive pool of potential.
This exam results week, let`s remember that grades are just one measure of potential.
Because there`s #NoWrongPath to success.
#Neurodiversity #Inclusion #Recruitment #ResultsDay #TalentManagement #Neurodivergent #Hiring
Results week can feel like a lot of pressure.
If your results show the hard work you have put in, you should be proud of that. You have earned it.
But your results are not the whole story.
This year, you might have learned how to handle tough days. You might have found your voice, built confidence, or kept going when things felt difficult.
Those things matter too.
There is no one “right” path. Some people go to university. Others choose college, apprenticeships, work or something different. Many people change direction along the way.
Your future is not decided by one set of results.
Take your time. Be proud of what you have done, in and out of school.
#NoWrongPath #ResultsDay #YourJourney #SkillsForLife #ExamResults
Immediate Start | Fixed-Term Learning & Wellbeing Practitioner
Do you have experience supporting children or young people with additional support needs? Are you compassionate, adaptable and passionate about making a difference?
Join our values-led Sensational Learning Centre in Linlithgow and help support neurodivergent pupils to thrive.
👉 Based in Linlithgow, West Lothian
👉 £22,481.63 per annum (£14.96 per hour)
👉 32.5 hours per week, term-time only
👉 Immediate start: Initial 3-month contract
👉 This post is subject to PVG Scheme Record/Update
We`re looking for a caring, flexible and proactive individual with a commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.
If you`re passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to education, we`d love to hear from you.
🔗 Find out more through the link in our bio.
⏰ Applications close 16 August 2026
#WestLothianJobs #EducationJobs #AdditionalSupportNeeds #Neurodiversity
30th July is International Day of Friendship.
Social connections are important in all our lives, but for many neurodivergent young people, building friendships can be difficult.
The young people we support have often been out of mainstream education for some time, and friendships may have fallen away. Sadly, being alone can feel like a safe place to be.
That’s why it’s vital that our support offers opportunities to connect with other people and build new friendships. This helps to improve confidence and wellbeing, and with good friends by your side, the world can feel like a better place.
#InternationalDayOfFriendship
Travelling on public transport is something many of us take for granted. But for young neurodivergent people, it can present challenges. Route maps and timetables can be complicated and difficult to understand, while being in busy, unfamiliar environments with unpredictable sounds and noise levels can create sensory overwhelm.
However, being able to use public transport confidently is important, as travelling it opens up opportunities to attend education or work, take part in activities, and maintain relationships with friends and family.
Pupils at our Sensational Learning Centre have been learning about different forms of transport, and were recently supported to travel into Edinburgh on a tram.
Before they set off, they looked at maps and timetables to plan their journey, which helps to develop important problem-solving skills. Once they were on board, they took time to get used to the new environment, and settled in to enjoy the journey.
After arriving in Edinburgh, it was time for a browse around the shops, followed by a trip to a café. These are fun activities, but they also help to build useful skills like ordering food and making purchases, as well as improving confidence, developing independence and reducing anxiety in new environments.
When it was time to make the return journey, the young people felt more confident as they knew what to expect. They are looking forward to more trips on public transport when they return to Donaldsons after the summer.
To learn more about the challenges that neurodivergent people face while travelling on public transport, listen to the BBC Sounds podcast It’s So Loud In Here, created by Keira Edwards and featuring Dr Tom Nicolson – link in bio.
The Sensational Learning Centre supports neurodivergent children and young people who face challenges in traditional mainstream education settings. To find out more, visit our website – link in bio.
It’s Fundraising Friday! 💙
Fancy taking on a fun challenge while making a real difference? Join the Donaldson’s Clan at The Kiltwalk Edinburgh this September and help raise vital funds to support neurodivergent people to build confidence, discover their strengths and achieve their goals.
Whether you’re up for the Wee Wander, Big Stroll or Mighty Stride, there’s a challenge for everyone – we’d love to have you on the team!
🔗 You can find all the details on our fundraising events page: https://www.donaldsons.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-events/
❗ Don`t forget to choose The Donaldson Trust as your charity when you register
As Glasgow gets ready for the Commonwealth Games, we’re looking back at our Sensational Learning Centre’s sports day.
This annual event is always a highlight of the school year, offering pupils the opportunity to enjoy some active games and share a fun experience with their peers. Physical activity also helps with emotional regulation and boosting wellbeing.
Families were invited along to cheer on the pupils as they took part in events including the bean bag race, basketball and obstacle course, and we may have found some future football stars in the beat the goalie challenge.
There was a fantastic atmosphere, with everyone cheering and celebrating each other’s wins.
After the final running race had taken place, it was time for the medal presentation. As well as celebrating the achievements on the day, it was also an opportunity to recognise the progress that the young people have made in their swimming sessions throughout the year.
Having worked up an appetite, everyone headed to the Sensational Learning Centre`s Community Café. The menu featured tasty treats made by the pupils, including sausage rolls, cheese twists, cinnamon rolls and a Victoria sponge, and the young people enjoyed taking on the roles of cashiers, servers and baristas.
It was a wonderful opportunity for families to get together, and everyone agreed that the baked goods were delicious!
The Sensational Learning Centre supports neurodivergent children and young people who face challenges in traditional mainstream education settings. To find out more, please visit our website – link in bio.
