SEND School Spotlight: In Conversation with Cynthia May, Sellyoak Trust School 

We recently welcomed Sellyoak Trust School to Boundless Outdoor and had the pleasure of speaking with Cynthia May, Deputy Head of Rotation and Year 7, during their stay, about what makes outdoor learning so impactful for SEND students. She shared why flexibility, trust and genuine understanding are essential when planning residential experiences for young people with complex needs. 

Tell us a little about Sellyoak Trust School and the young people you support. 
Sellyoak Trust School supports students with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. All our students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and every young person has very individual needs. That means our planning goes far beyond the basics, from communication with parents to medical requirements, mobility, dietary needs and emotional support. 

What does planning a residential visit look like for your school? 
Every visit involves detailed care plans. We think about medical needs, staffing ratios, allergies, dietary requirements, everything. What’s been special about Boundless is that they don’t just accommodate this, they actively support and adapt for us, often going beyond what they’d normally do. Even small things, like how lunch is served, are adjusted to suit our students to ensure their stay is a memorable one. 

How does Boundless adapt for SEND students specifically? 
Some of our students often need longer to complete activities that might usually take a short amount of time, mobility needs are a big consideration too. We never want to restrict students from accessing amazing outdoor experiences and Boundless have made that possible because they are so flexible. The staff are understanding, open to adapting sessions and really willing to work with us, even making plans on the spot if a student needs extra support. 

That flexibility extends beyond activities into every part of the day. The catering support here is a great example of that. The chef sends menus to us in advance so parents can pre order meals, which is incredibly reassuring for families. For students with medical and dietary needs, he will even calculate exact measurements in advance, so everything aligns with medication and care plans. Knowing this is all prepared beforehand helps everyone feel confident that our young people are safe and well looked after. 

What stands out most about the Boundless environment? 
The space here is excellent. It is flexible, familiar and there is a mix of different environments that work really well for our students. One of our favourite things is how everything is mapped out and coordinated. The Boundless team are very good at managing other schools on site too, you never feel like you are sharing the space. It feels completely private, calm and well organised, which is so important for our young people. 

Why is location important for your students? 
The location is beautiful. We are surrounded by nature which is great for our kids and its only just over an hour away by coach. Travel costs are high these days and long journeys can be difficult for some of our students, so having this kind of outdoor space nearby makes a huge difference. It means our students can enjoy an amazing residential experience without the added stress that travel can bring to both them and their families. 

What impact does a Boundless residential have on your students and staff? 
For some of our students, this is their first time staying away from home, which can feel worrying at first. Being in a new environment and away from familiar routines is a big step. What Boundless does so well is create a space where students quickly feel safe, supported and comfortable. 

That sense of reassurance allows our young people to build confidence and independence at their own pace. By the end of the stay, some of them are saying they do not want to leave. Seeing that shift, from initial nerves to feeling settled and happy, shows just how positive the experience is. Our staff also feel comfortable here and very well supported, which makes the residential a positive experience for everyone involved. 

Any final thoughts? 
What makes stays here special is the people who work at Boundless, from admin and catering to the activity leaders. Every single person is supportive and understanding, I honestly cannot fault Boundless at all.