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About Me

My name is Michaela Haynes, and I am the founder of a creative alternative provision built around the belief that every child deserves to feel understood, capable and valued.

As someone who is diagnosed autistic myself, I understand how important it is for children and young people to feel safe, accepted and able to learn in ways that work for them. My own experiences have shaped the way I teach and support children — with patience, creativity, flexibility and genuine understanding.

I created this provision to offer something different from traditional education settings: a calm, nurturing and highly personalised environment where learning becomes meaningful, practical and engaging. Many of the children I work with have struggled in mainstream settings, experienced anxiety around school, or lost confidence in themselves and their abilities. My aim is to rebuild that confidence through strong relationships, creative learning and real-life experiences.

What I Do

I provide specialist 1:1 and small-group alternative provision tailored to the individual needs of each child or young person. Learning is hands-on, creative and adapted to each learner’s interests, strengths and EHCP outcomes.

Sessions may include:

• Creative arts and mixed media projects

• Nature-based and outdoor learning

• Practical life skills and independence building

• Literacy and numeracy through meaningful activities

• Emotional wellbeing and confidence development

• Sensory-friendly learning approaches

• Community-based and experiential learning

I believe children learn best when they feel calm, connected and interested in what they are doing. My provision focuses not only on academic progress, but also on helping children develop self-esteem, resilience, communication skills and independence.

My Background & Experience

I have a background in education, art and sustainable design, combining creativity with specialist teaching approaches.

Qualifications & Professional Background

• PGCE in Education

• BA in Sustainable Design

• Artist and mixed media practitioner

• Experience supporting children with SEND and additional needs

• Experience writing reports and contributing to EHCP reviews

• Specialist interest in creative, sensory and therapeutic approaches to learning

Alongside my teaching work, I am also a practising artist. Creativity is central to both my art practice and my educational approach. I have seen first-hand how creative learning can help children express themselves, regulate emotions, develop confidence and reconnect with learning.

Why I Do This

I believe many children do not fail education — education fails to recognise the way they learn.

Too often, children who think differently, experience the world differently, or need a different pace and approach can become overwhelmed, anxious or disengaged. I wanted to create a space where those children could feel successful again.

The heart of my provision is relationship-based learning. I take time to understand each child as an individual, building trust and creating learning experiences that feel achievable, relevant and enjoyable.

I believe learning should include creativity, movement, nature, curiosity, practical experiences and opportunities to grow beyond the traditional classroom environment. Most importantly, I believe every child deserves to feel hope for their future.

My Approach

My work is rooted in:

• Compassion and understanding

• Creativity and curiosity

• Neurodiversity-affirming practice

• Personalised learning

• Building confidence through success

• Learning through real experiences

• Supporting emotional wellbeing alongside education

Every child’s journey looks different, and my role is to help them discover their strengths, develop independence and move forward with confidence.

If you would like to find out more about my provision, discuss referrals or ask any questions, please get in touch.