Take on the Great Scottish Run for The Donaldson Trust in October! @great_run
Whether you`re aiming for the 10K or half-marathon, every mile you run will help create opportunities for neurodivergent children, young people and adults to thrive. Sign up, join the #DonaldsonClan, and make every step count.
Find out more and register today at the link in our bio.
Outdoor sporting activities have many benefits for young neurodivergent people. As well as the mood-boosting effects of exercise and spending time outside in the fresh air, they present opportunities to build confidence, face challenges and overcome obstacles.
Young people supported at our Vibe service recently had a trip to Stirlingshire for a mountain biking session with an instructor from Lifecycle Trust.
Before getting started, the young people were taught how to ride safely and carry out basic bike safety checks.
They began on the pump track, which required a good level of balance, coordination and skill. They then progressed onto the green trail routes, allowing the young people to build their skills and confidence in a controlled way. The group also successfully tackled a steep descent and a stream crossing.
The activity encouraged the group to work together to solve problems and evaluate risks along the course. This helped to strengthen relationships as they shared successes, supported one another, and celebrated achievements together.
As they developed new skills and completed increasingly difficult sections of the course, the young people gained a real sense of achievement. The experience encouraged them to:
– believe in their own capabilities
– develop a positive attitude towards trying new things
– see that setbacks and challenges can be overcome with perseverance and support
We would like to thank Endura for such a fantastic day. The young people had a wonderful time taking part in a fun and engaging activity and made some great memories together.
Vibe is a wellbeing service designed for young people aged 12-18 who are not in full-time attendance in mainstream education and require support to re-engage with learning. You can find out more about our support at Vibe and read more about the Vibe Lifecycle Trust Challenge on our blog – link in bio.
For young neurodivergent people, new experiences and day trips help build confidence, encourage independence, and create opportunities to connect with the wider community in a meaningful way.
The young people supported at our Sensational Learning Centre recently enjoyed a fantastic day out on the Union Canal, thanks to a generous gift experience organised by the Seagull Trust.
The trip was filled with fun and laughter as the group travelled from Linlithgow to Falkirk. Experiencing the incredible Falkirk Wheel was a real highlight of the day.
The impact of this trip went far beyond the day itself. For the young people we support, being out and about, meeting new people, and sharing experiences together helps strengthen social skills, self-belief, and a sense of belonging.
A huge thank you to the Seagull Trust for creating such a memorable experience.
To find out more about our Sensational Learning Centre, visit the link in our bio.
Be Part of an Inclusive School Community, Changing Outcomes for Young People
GTCS-Registered Tutors – Science & Home Economics
Linlithgow, West Lothian – 6.5 hours per week (Mon or Tue)
Self-employed
Our Sensational Learning Centre is looking for two GTCS-registered teachers with strong subject knowledge, experience of additional support needs and a commitment to person-centred, inclusive practice to join our values-led school community:
• Science Tutor (Chemistry, Biology or Physics)
• Home Economics Tutor
You’ll deliver tailored 1:1 and small group learning across BGE and the Senior Phase, adapting teaching for neurodivergent pupils and others with complex additional support needs, in line with Curriculum for Excellence and Qualification Scotland requirements. You’ll help create safe, engaging practical learning, track progress and support pupils towards assessments and qualifications.
Applications close: 15 July
Interviews will be scheduled: 27, 28 & 29 July
You can find the full role profiles and application form by clicking on the `Work With Us` link in our bio.
For questions or support with your application, email: people@donaldsons.org.uk
#Neurodiversity #InclusiveEducation
Taking time to reflect is an essential part of learning. For the young neurodivergent people we support, it shows the progress they have made, highlights the skills they have developed, and offers the chance to look back at good memories.
To mark the end of the school year, our Sensational Learning Centre held an end-of-term assembly for pupils and their families. It was a lovely opportunity to celebrate the pupils’ achievements and progress throughout the year, and we would like to thank their families for coming along and helping to make it such a special occasion.
We would also like to say thank you to our colleagues at the Sensational Learning Centre for another wonderful year of providing inclusive learning environments where friendships flourish and creativity thrives.
Angela Evans, Head of Learning Services, said, "This year has been a brilliant celebration of growth, resilience and individuality. It has been wonderful to see our pupils develop in confidence, build meaningful relationships and achieve so much in their own unique ways. I am incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished and grateful to our dedicated SLC team and supportive families who make our community so special."
We hope everyone enjoys their well-earned summer break!
To find out more about our Sensational Learning Centre, visit the link in our bio.
Taking part in local events is important in helping the people we support to feel part of their community, as well as helping to raise awareness of neurodiversity and of the work we do at The Donaldson Trust.
We were delighted to take part in the Linlithgow Marches again this year.
Every year, the people we support choose a theme for their costumes. This year, the theme was neurodiversity, with young people choosing to wear bright colours and magical-themed accessories.
In the weeks leading up to the Marches, the people we support spent time working on their costumes, from tie-dyeing t-shirts and making signs to creating fairy and dragon wings and light-up toadstool hats. Creating costumes and accessories encourages creativity and self-expression while doing something fun.
On the day, everyone was excited to take part, and admired the floats on their way to the procession starting point. Once the procession started, everyone got into the spirit of the occasion, dancing to the music, waving to the crowds gathered along the high street and calling “Happy Marches!”
Everyone had a great day and made lasting memories. One young person is already looking forward to the 2027 event, saying, “That was good fun. What is our theme going to be next year?!”
It’s Fundraising Friday! Looking for a fun way to make a difference? We’d love you to join the Donaldson’s Clan at this year`s Edinburgh @kiltwalk on Sunday 13th September!
You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker – just bring your tartan, comfy shoes and a little team spirit! There’s a distance for everyone:
👟 Wee Wander: Perfect for families and younger children (approx. 4.5 miles)
🥾 Big Stroll: A great challenge with beautiful views (approx. 11 miles)
💪 Mighty Stride: For those ready to go the distance (approx. 21 miles)
Your fundraising will help us create more opportunities for neurodivergent people to build confidence, discover their strengths, and achieve their personal goals and ambitions.
Ready to take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk? You can find all the details on our fundraising events page at the link in our bio. Don`t forget to choose The Donaldson Trust as your charity when you register.
Thinking about what’s next for your neurodivergent child after school?
Or perhaps they’ve already finished and are still looking for the right path?
At Gate, we’re here to help you find the answers.
We are hosting an open evening tomorrow (Thursday 18 June), but there’s still time to book your place.
📍The Donaldson Trust, Preston Road, Linlithgow EH49 6HZ
📆Thursday 18th June
🕔 5-7pm
Book your place at the link in our bio.
#neurodiversity #neurodivergence
