Our Approach
Everything at LUMA is designed around one question:
What does this young person need in order to learn, grow and thrive?
The answer is rarely just about academic content. It is about environment, consistency, trust and feeling genuinely understood. We build that first. Everything else follows.
The Studio Programme
LUMA delivers four curriculum strands across the week. Each one has a purpose and they are designed to work together.
Art and Design Our core qualification at Level 2 or Level 3. Portfolio based with no written exams. Students build a body of creative work across the year that they can be proud of and take with them. Nationally recognised and accepted by universities, colleges and employers.
Functional Skills English Practical English skills matched to each student's starting point. One day per week with a specialist English teacher.
Functional Skills Maths Practical maths skills matched to each student's starting point. One day per week with a specialist Maths teacher.
Personal Development and Futures One day per week focused on preparation for adulthood. Communication, independence, managing routines, community participation, transition planning and life beyond LUMA. This is not an add-on. It is built into the fabric of what we do.
How we work
Small groups Maximum six students. You will never be lost in a crowd at LUMA.
Consistent team The same faces every day. For young people with autism and SEMH needs this is not a nicety. It is a necessity.
Trauma-informed practice All staff are trained in low-arousal, trauma-informed approaches. We understand that behaviour is communication.
Co-produced timetables We build the timetable with each student and their family, not for them. Familiarity and predictability are what make education work for our students.
Preparation for adulthood From day one we are thinking about what comes next. Where does this young person want to go? What do they need to get there?
