Parent and carer feedback

We are in regular contact with parents/carers of our students and we also conduct an annual survey asking for objective feedback on our service. A summary of the results can be found here.

Our parent/carer feedback is overwhelmingly positive reinforcing the outcomes we are able to achieve for our students and showing no areas for development from a parent/carer perspective.

Below is some of the written feedback we have received from parents and carers over recent years…

‘Lapwing have been life-changing for my son. After experiencing significant trauma and exclusion in mainstream education, Theodore joined Lapwing in September 2024 unsure of himself, disconnected from learning, and struggling to trust adults. Over the course of the year, Lapwing created a safe, nurturing environment where he was not only supported academically, but emotionally and socially. The team took time to understand Theodore as an individual—his strengths, his needs, and his pace. Their patient, trauma-informed approach helped him rebuild his confidence, develop friendships, engage in learning, and most importantly, feel safe and heard. He has rediscovered joy, curiosity, and pride in his achievements. Thanks to Lapwing, Theodore is now ready to return to formal education in a specialist setting—a transition we never imagined possible just a year ago. I am deeply grateful for everything Lapwing have done. They gave me my child back.’ (Jemma, mother of Theodore, July 2025)

‘Lapwing is the most amazing organization. My son is absolutely thriving and really looks forward to each session, even if he is doing something which he finds hard. It is not only the staff who are great (which, without exception they all are), but the whole team behind them. Any problems are flagged early and solutions found quickly. We feel so lucky to be part of Lapwing and cannot rate it highly enough.’ (Paula, mother of George, July 2025)

‘Lapwing have been brilliant with Max. Each member of staff that works with him has been very understanding of his needs, supportive to the family and their bespoke service has been instrumental in helping him build confidence and trust adults, tailoring activities to his sensory and learning needs.’ (Natalie, mother of Max, July 2025)

‘Lapwing have been so understanding , kind and patient with my son - who is new to the programme this year. The provision is tailored to his individual needs and interests, always going at his pace and most of all listening to his voice to build up trust and to help him feel safe . I also feel valued & listened to as his parent . Being out of school for a very long time I didn’t know if he would engage but, although it’s been slow, I can see the bond with his Lapwing team building and I now have hope for the first time in a very long time that he will go from strength to strength with you. I am really happy with the approach Lapwing takes with their students; every student is unique and individual. Thank You Lapwing for giving me back some hope for the future for my son.’ (Anonymous parent, July 2025).

‘Lapwing are very accommodating to my son’s needs. He trusts them and enjoys their company and his learning programme. The teaching team are all brilliant and all have a good understanding and knowledge of my son’s abilities. I am very happy with all their support.’ (Vickie, mother of A, July 2025)

‘Aidan has been with Lapwing for 3 years has had such a wide choice of activities/experiences with many different staff. He has had an amazing journey with Lapwing. In his final year to have achieved some maths, English and Arts Award qualifications - I really would not have believed this was possible! Please pass my thanks on to all of Aidan's tutors who have worked so well with him.’ (Wendy, mother of Aidan, July 2025)

‘My son has only been using this service for a short space of time but so far it is going well. Lapwing are very supportive and he is making good progress so far.’ (Shelley, mother of L, July 2025).

‘I was at the point where I didn’t know where to turn as my daughter refused to go school, her anxiety was through the roof, her world was getting smaller and smaller. Lapwing have been amazing with her, adapting to her needs, pushing her out of her comfort zone but not too much. I can already see a difference after a term and a half of Lapwing support. The staff are so lovely; experts in their field. I really feel that Lapwing are excellent in what they do and I don’t know where we would be without them.’ (Sue, mother of Ruby, July 2025)

‘Pola’s time with Lapwing has been amazing. She is undertaking tasks I never thought would be possible. She’s growing in confidence and I strongly believe Lapwing’s approach has been life changing for Pola.’ (Caroline, parent of Pola, July 2025)

‘There isn't a day that goes by without my husband and myself acknowledging how lucky we are to have Josh with Lapwing, the difference the staff have made to not only Josh’s quality of life but ours as a family too is amazing, we are forever grateful for everything they do.’ (Jen, mother of Josh, July 2025)

‘My son has made so much progress in such a short space of time. What you have provided is exactly what he needed to help him get out of the house, reconnect with others and enjoy being sociable again, discover and rediscover his interests and talents, regain his self esteem and start some volunteering work. Thank you to all the staff for all your amazing work.’ (Anonymous parent, July 2025)

‘Lapwing have been fantastic in gently showing up and supporting my daughter to start to trust adults again after a severe burnout. They are creative in their activities and always happy to cater to her needs and go (very slowly) at her pace. My daughter has started to look forward to her sessions each week.’ (Elaine, mother of I, July 2025)

‘My child has literally transformed during her time with Lapwing. She has gone from barely functioning, both socially and in education, to thriving in ways we thought were unachievable.’ (Jane, mother of R, July 2025)

‘Lapwing have supported my daughter to achieve to the best of her abilities.’ (Charlotte, mother of Sam, July 2025)

‘Just a big thank you to a great team of staff who do such an amazing job in helping children achieve their goals, support their needs and, most importantly, listen and let them have a voice. You are a fantastic team who also support the carer, who sometimes just needs a quick chat. It’s truly a whole team of staff working together and working with the families - you are brilliant, thank you!’ (Karen, carer to J, July 2023)

‘Lapwing has been a life saver! The staff are amazing and I wish we had this provision a long time ago. My son doesn't want to leave, he gets on so well with his tutors and his attendance is 100%.’ (Rachael, mother of D, June 2023)

‘The staff are amazing, very experienced and you can ask any questions about the child and they are so very supportive. I’m over the moon my grandson got a placement; he has changed so much and grown in confidence and is so very happy!’ (Karen, grandmother of J, June 2023)

‘The Lapwing tutors have been incredibly sensitive and responsive to our daughter's needs. We also find they work with the whole team as there are many professionals involved and they support us, as parents. Thank you.’ (Jenny, mother of E, June 2023)

“My year 7 daughter (ASD, learning disability, developmental trauma, sensory processing difficulties) has just had the most amazing and positive experience with Lapwing!
She left her mainstream primary school in July 2022 and the three Lapwing tutors that worked with her, and their programme manager, have been absolutely incredible. They all totally 'get' my daughter and have all been caring and flexible. She has been put at ease and felt safe and secure which has enabled her to learn. The sessions have been fun and tailored to her needs and interests. Her confidence and self-esteem have increased greatly because of this approach.
Lapwing Education have fully supported me by checking in to see how things were going, attending an annual review and also been a listening ear; nothing has been too much trouble.
My daughter was allocated a place at a complex needs school from January 2023 and Lapwing have fully supported her transition to the new setting which she has settled into well so far.
All I can say is don’t dismiss Lapwing Education if you are given the opportunity to work with them. They are truly amazing! 🤩” (Norfolk parent, Feb 2023, who had never heard of Lapwing before Sep 2022)

‘Lapwing has provided a safe, nurturing and fun environment when there was little other option for my daughter. For the first time in years there is a path forward for her education and I feel like other people can see past her challenges and recognise her huge potential. Every member of staff has been professional, dedicated and above all accepting.’ (Samantha, mother of M, July 2023)

‘Lapwing is the only place our son has been able to thrive and learn new things which are tailored towards his interests, skills and ability. They take his special educational needs into account and adapt things when needed.’ (Kristie and Andrew, parents of H, June 2023)

‘Amazing service, lots of patience and a friendly caring team who are understanding.’ (Samantha, mother of R, June 2023)

‘My child's Lapwing staff have built safe relationships with her that have allowed her to make progress at her own pace. The programme has felt tailor made to our daughter's needs.’ (Anon, July 2023)

‘We have not long been with Lapwing but so far you have been amazing with Paige. Thank you to all the staff who are helping her develop and maximise her potential.’ (Penny, mother of P, July 2023)

‘Lapwing offers a holistic and nurturing approach to education. The tutors are highly skilled and ensure clear and effective communication at all times. You offer a great service and are very beneficial to young people who do fit mainstream education.’ (Anon, July 2023).

‘I can only say that Lapwing has been amazing for my son. Both tutors have been brilliant with my son. They have taken things at his own pace, adapted sessions when things have been too much for him, listened to him and helped improve his confidence. After being failed by mainstream provision, I am starting to see glimpses of my son again. He is happier, more confident and starting to think about his future. I cannot thank the team at Lapwing enough for this!’ (Helen, mother of Z, July 2023)

‘Lapwing has been fantastic for our daughter. We can see her starting to allow herself to Thrive. Due to well matched staff and their patience to get to know her as well as really showing they care. Lapwing is so bespoke to the child and appropriate to their needs, I wish my child had had the opportunity to attend much sooner. The support has helped our whole family, knowing that she is now getting the appropriate education.’ (Jane, mother of N, June 2023)

‘My partner and I are very pleased with the service provided by Lapwing staff. Everyone we have met is kind, empathetic and understanding with a very holistic and human approach. The young person we foster has many issues to deal with and this is often not an easy task, but the Lapwing team manage it very well indeed. Thank you to Lapwing - we are very grateful for your support.’ (Foster parent, July 2023)

‘Lapwing staff have been amazing with Xander. He cannot go out the door fast enough; they listen to what he says and have a laugh with him and he is always happy. I cannot add anymore apart from saying you are brilliant and have helped to develop him into the young man he has become.’ (Betty, June 2023)

‘Since starting with Lapwing my child is happier than he has ever been in any educational setting. His mental health has massively improved. He trusts the staff and enjoys the time he spends with them. He feels valued and is actually enjoying learning for the first time in his life!’ (Victoria, mother of W, July 2023)

‘My son has made an incredible amount of progress since starting with Lapwing. After two years with no provision, he was reluctant to start and had a very reduced timetable. However, with Lapwing’s encouragement, support and perseverance he now has a full timetable full of activities that excite and engage him. They have helped him feel safe to access the community, going to garages, parks, zoos and mini golf as part of his education. I could not have imagined this a year ago; the difference in him is astounding. I cannot thank Lapwing enough for your work and support you have provided to my son. It has made such a difference to his life and my own as well. His confidence is boosted, he's gaining more trust in himself and he is willing to try new opportunities.’ (Joanne, mother, July 2023)

‘Lapwing have given my child his wings, my son has gained confidence in himself and now has the self belief that he can achieve. He is also gaining knowledge and empathy towards other people, while remaining true to himself. I cannot recommend Lapwing highly enough.’ (Louise, mother, July 2023)

‘My daughter’s tutors at Lapwing have been so supportive and understanding of her needs.’ (Deanne, mother of C, July 2023)

‘We are incredibly fortunate to have Lapwing as an alternative education provision for our daughter; Lapwing tutors are clearly experienced and highly skilled, they put our daughter at ease and tailor each session to her individual needs, introducing topics and suggesting outings that are of interest to her. When our daughter is with Lapwing we know that she is in safe, capable hands and that she's happy, and for that, we are very grateful. I would recommend Lapwing without hesitation.’ (Mar 2022)

‘You have super staff who are patient, caring and have unique ideas to deliver education in a fun, informative way that actually makes learning enjoyable!’ (Mar 2022)

‘The staff at Lapwing Education have turned our daughter’s learning experience around. Their involvement has been life changing, not just for our daughter, but for our family. Thank you.’ (Mar 2022)

‘I would like to say a huge thank you for all the support we have had to date for P.  She has formed a great relationship with your staff and is making progress.  We are delighted and hugely relieved… both tutors are marvellous and have given us hope.’ (Nov 2020)

‘Lapwing are very committed to helping young people achieve their potential, build confidence and support their hopes and interests. I would highly recommend this service to any child struggling to attend mainstream school and in need of support to get back on track with their education. Lapwing has helped J to feel safe and secure and given her goals that she can achieve. I am very pleased with this service and so is J.’ (Aug 2020)

‘Lapwing have been assisting our son for the past three years with educational and life skills enhancement. They have been excellent in their approach to provide this help and training and have been very professional, reliable, honest and structured. Our son has slowly but surely achieved targets we thought he would never be able to reach. Thank you and well done!’ (July 2020)

 ‘Lapwing is a unique provision and has allowed my son for the first time to stay in an educational setting without the fear of disruption or termination of his placement whenever something went wrong. Big credit needs to be given to the staff who have shown continuous resilience, determination and true care for him and his continued success.’ (July 2020)

‘Lapwing is an excellent alternative education provision for my child, who has autism, OCD and acute anxiety, and has struggled significantly in mainstream settings. The high levels of stress, sensory overload and social demands in a traditional school environment led to school refusal and a complete shutdown of their ability to engage with learning. Lapwing’s small, nurturing, and highly individualised approach offers the low-arousal, trauma-informed environment my child needs to rebuild confidence and re-engage at their own pace. With their focus on tailored learning plans, therapeutic support and life skills development, Lapwing provides a holistic model that supports both academic and emotional needs. Their understanding of neurodivergence and commitment to working collaboratively with families make Lapwing an ideal setting for a child like mine, who requires flexibility, empathy and consistent support to thrive.’ (Ellen, mother of B, July 2025)

‘Lapwing has been amazing for my child. The support has been second to none. They have also supported me every time I have reached out. I’m so glad my child has now reached a position where she is ready to move on but in a way I will be sad she won’t be accessing Lapwing anymore, as the whole experience has been wonderful.’ (Alexandra, mother of A, July 2025)

‘Lapwing has supported my son brilliantly, showing a good understanding of his needs and allowing him to feel in control of his learning and helped him develop his confidence and self esteem as well as providing an education that works for him. I can not recommend Lapwing highly enough.’ (Ruth, mother of James, July 2025)

‘Lapwing has done a great job helping my child reintegrate back into education, so much so she is starting at an SEMH school in September 25 having been out of school based education for 6 years!’ (Sarah-Jayne, mother of A, July 2025)

‘Lapwing had been an absolute Godsend for my teen (and me!) and I will never be able to thank them enough. In a year, my child has gone from being almost totally reclusive and not leaving the house to now going on days out and even trips outside of the county! They have made good friends, are fantastically supported, are making progress educationally for the first time in years and are thriving emotionally and socially. I honestly can not believe the difference a year with Lapwing has made to our whole family.’ (Annette, mother of M, July 2025)

‘I cannot recommend Lapwing highly enough, we've been incredibly lucky, as Lapwing have supported our daughter for many years now, helping her to achieve her English Level 2 Functional Skills and Bronze and Silver Arts Awards (working towards Gold) which has given her the confidence to try to gain her Maths Level 2 now also. Lapwing staff have tailored her programme to meet her individual needs, challenging her when needed, and we are so pleased that she is now participating in some group activities as part of her weekly timetable, something she would never have managed at the start of her journey. As a result of Lapwing, our daughter has been able to explore her creative talents, manage all of her sessions outside of the home, improve her mental health and gain confidence in social situations. We look forward to the future and thank you Lapwing, and all your incredible staff, for all you've done for us.’ (Sharon, mother of I, July 2025)

‘My daughter has benefited so much from the time she has spent with her staff from Lapwing. She looks forward to seeing them every week and sharing her art work.’ (Anonymous parent, July 2025)

‘Lapwing have supported my son through some very difficult moments in his young life. They’ve given Oscar trust in the education system, helping him to enjoy learning again. He has now passed his functional skills Level 1 English, and on the way to passing the same in maths. Truly amazing efforts by himself and continued brilliant support from Lapwing. Thank you all.’ (Andrew, father of Oscar, July 2025)

‘Lapwing have enabled my child to be able to develop and demonstrate his determination and resilience, since joining in January 2025. The staff have been extremely mindful of his needs and adapted sessions to be able to meet those needs, which have enabled a positive outlook for the future. The staff at Lapwing go above and beyond to support my son and demonstrate their dedication to their roles, by pacing things, providing a bespoke package to him. I am extremely grateful to the Lapwing team, who have played such a pivotal role in my child's positive progress; for all of the support they have provided so far, enabling him to build positive relationships and foundations with unfamiliar people, at his pace, and feel 'safe' with adults outside of the home, as well as developing his confidence in being able to express himself to others and explore his interests and possible future aspirations. Thank you to all of you! What an invaluable service you provide and a huge positive impact to people's lives!’ (Caroline, mother of R, July 2025)

‘I can’t praise Lapwing enough! They have helped my son considerably as he has developed independence and life skills - he is thriving!’ (Charmain, mother of H, July 2025)

‘Lapwing have been amazing with our son when all other support has let us down. Lapwing are great, we couldn't thank them enough over the years for their help. My son loves learning with them and all his teachers and staff. I would recommend and fight for Lapwing for anyone that needs the help and support. Keep up the great work and I will be forever grateful.’ (Mark, father of N, July 2025)

‘Lapwing staff have amazing patience and understanding, and perseverance.’ (Donna, Grandmother of C, July 2025)

Email from Lydia, mother of Joshua - 11 years old, who successfully transitioned out of Lapwing in July 2022:

‘Hasn’t it been a fab year for Joshua? He’s made so much progress and we are all so proud of how far he has come! We would like to take the opportunity to thank everybody from Lapwing that has been involved with Joshua this past year. What you have achieved with him was completely unimaginable for us just a few years ago. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the Lapwing staff really are angels in disguise! 

Mainstream school was really traumatic for Joshua and was filled with so many negatives, but Lapwing came along and have shown him consistency, trust, time, patience and understanding. 

I now have one very happy little boy who is ready to start his new journey at his specialist provision and I truly believe it’s because of you all at Lapwing. We are so very grateful for everything you have all done and it really wouldn’t have been possible without you. 

Joshua is sad that his journey with Lapwing has come to an end, although he’s very pleased he is able to stay in contact via email. I was talking with him a little while ago and I asked him about his views on Lapwing; Joshua replied, “they helped me the most, they were the best thing that happened” – I think that says it all!

We will be sure to stay in contact and keep you updated on Joshua’s progress at his new school. Thank you all so much again from the bottom of our hearts. We will be forever grateful.’

“When my now 18 year old son started with Lapwing, he was isolated, guarded, lacked confidence and spent most of his time alone in his room. I'm not sure how much hope he had for the future, but I do know that he had almost no self belief.  The fantastic staff and their approach at Lapwing have resulted in a 180° turn around from my son. Personally, he is no longer isolated; he is hopeful; his self confidence and self belief have soared; my son not only spends time with us, but he smiles and laughs more frequently too.

Educationally, he has achieved qualifications in various subjects – English, maths, finance; he has been accepted into a music college for September 2022. He also now has a part time job alongside his Lapwing programme. Through every tear, smile, set back, and leap forward, Lapwing staff have treated him as their own child. They've nurtured, taught, cared for and uplifted my son. For that I'm eternally grateful.  I truly don't know what path we would have been on as a family, and what hope or future my son would have had, were it not for the support of Lapwing in building him up at a pace with which he could cope.” (Lowestoft based parent, 1 March 2022)

‘We are so very grateful for Lapwing’s support. Our daughter is thriving under their expert tuition, engaging and learning new skills and gaining confidence in her own abilities; she enjoys spending time with her tutors and they are all experts when it comes to recognising her needs and interests and tailoring each session accordingly. We know without doubt that our daughter would not be where she is today without Lapwing’s support and we're so excited to see what she can achieve in the new academic year! Thank you Lapwing!’ (Sharon, mother of I, July 2023)

‘Lapwing have not only supported my son,but have gone above and beyond to support me in helping Ben get on the right track. It has been a really positive experience. Thank you to all the team.’ (Kevin, father of Ben, June 2023)

‘Lapwing have stepped in and given superb support to us as a family. Sensitive, understanding and professional tutoring. Thanks to all the tutors for guiding our children to better, fuller lives and helping them come to terms with their unique profiles. THANK YOU LAPWING.’ (The Sadlers, July 2023)

‘After five years Lapwing is the only provision that has worked for my son. Their flexible, gentle approach has supported him towards reaching his potential where other specialist provisions have failed. A huge thank you from me and my family.’ (Rachael, mother of T, July 2023)

‘I am amazed at how well my daughter has taken to and engaged with her Lapwing staff. She feels in control as the teachers really listen to her and this makes such a difference to her. She is much more confident in her abilities now too.’ (Anna, mother of R, July 2023)

‘Lapwing is a life saver for my son, it has offered hope were there was none for him, and so it has helped the rest of his family too. Lapwing staff listen, take their time and care.’ (Laura, mother of B, July 2023)

‘The beauty of Lapwing is it makes every programme unique to each student. They take special care to understand exactly what the student wants to achieve and help them attain their goals every step of the way . The staff are not only exemplary in their educational capacity, but also in their therapeutic approach in helping students with special needs sensitively and with care.’ (Mar 2022)

‘Lapwing are amazing with our child. They go the extra mile to make sure our child's needs are met; he had been out of education for a long time and had big anxieties about returning to education. Lapwing have helped him with this and he's now back to attending daily.’ (Mar 2022)

‘Dear Lapwing, I would just like to thank you all for the time, patience and support you have given me and L. Your service and communication are outstanding and your staff have been brilliant. We have had MANY different services involved with L over the last 15 years from when she was first diagnosed with autism and I would just like to say that we have been very impressed with Lapwing. You are one of the most professional services we have been in involved with. Thanks again and I am confident L will continue to progress’ (now she has transitioned to college and Lapwing support has ceased). (Oct 2020) 

‘My son was unsuccessful at both mainstream and specialist schools but once he started work with Lapwing he quickly made progress and grew in confidence. Before we found Lapwing I never dreamed he would have an independent adulthood, but now I feel he will be able to have the life he wants and deserves as a successful adult and valuable member of society.’ (Aug 2020)

‘The people at Lapwing are highly inclusive and provide person-centred relational support for my son. They are keen to work collaboratively with me and I value their experience and expertise.’ (Mar 2022)

‘I have been more than happy with everything Lapwing has done to support F . The understanding and kindness all staff have shown towards my daughter is a breath of fresh air. I have had every confidence that my daughter has been in the right environment for her mental health and personal issues.’ (Mar 2022)

‘The staff at Lapwing are simply brilliant at what they do. My son is happy and feels supported. Watching him fulfil his potential is priceless.’ (Mar 2022)

‘Lapwing work in a collaborative and innovate way to support children to not only achieve their potential, but to aspire to achieve more. Their service is one of a kind.’ (Children in Care home manager, Mar 2022)

‘Lapwing have enabled my son to learn in a way which he is able to learn. He has flourished and continues to grow with their input.’ (Mar 2022)

‘Lapwing have supported our young person to re-establish a relationship with their education and begin to take steps towards attending mainstream schooling. Lapwing have been hugely supportive of our young person's individual needs and tailored their provision to suit. Lapwing have maintained good communication throughout and promoted the best outcomes for our child.’ (Mar 2022)

‘I'd especially like to thank Lapwing’s staff for everything they have done for L in what feels like forever! L has achieved so much more in the last year than she has since year 7 at high school. They have given her confidence, knowledge, and helped with her social skills. I'm very grateful for all their help.’ (Jun 2020)

‘Very kind and caring staff who have taken time to get to know my son and his particular needs. Empathetic and endlessly patient, they are the only education workers who have helped him to progress. We are very grateful - thank you.’ (July 2020)

‘My son struggled to fit in other educational settings, and the bespoke and understanding afforded at Lapwing has enabled my son to grow in confidence. There have been some challenging times but we have felt that there has been support to help him, and us, through. The staff are fantastic and always go the extra mile.’ (Aug 2020)

‘Lapwing are inclusive, understanding and accommodating.’ (Sep 2020)

 ‘This is only our third week with Lapwing, but I am so pleased with how things are going; the tutors have put our daughter at ease and managed to engage her in each session, as they have tailored the activities around her interests. Thank you.’ (June 2020)

‘After many years of failed education, Lapwing taught my daughter she can set goals, learn and achieve.’ (July 2020)

‘Lapwing have been excellent, I am hoping it can continue.’ (June 2020)

‘1:1 support has been provided to A who was not able to work in a group setting. This has enabled A to focus on her education and goals and has given her the confidence to complete tasks by focusing on her talents and interests. A good relationship has been built with the Lapwing staff and this has helped A to be motivated to learn and achieve.’ (July 2020)