Grace Point is our dedicated secondary support space designed to help neurodivergent students and students with mental health needs feel safe, regulated and ready to learn. It provides a calm and welcoming environment where students can access support when the demands of the school day become overwhelming.
At the heart of Grace Point is a simple philosophy: regulation before expectation. We recognise that students cannot always engage successfully in learning when they are experiencing heightened anxiety, sensory overload, emotional dysregulation or difficulty navigating transitions.
One of the supports available through Grace Point is our Sensory Station, where students can borrow a sensory tool for the school day. Students can select a tool that supports their individual regulation needs and return it at the end of the day. This also creates a valuable opportunity for students to check in with Diverse Learning staff during break times, helping us monitor how they are travelling and provide support or problem solving when needed.
Grace Point is an important part of our school’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and belonging. Our support extends beyond the classroom, with Grace Point represented at special school events to ensure all students can participate and feel included in the wider life of our school community. By providing access to quiet regulation spaces, movement breaks, familiar staff check ins and support with transitions, organisation and preparation, we help students navigate challenging moments while remaining connected to their peers and school experiences.
Importantly, Grace Point is not intended to replace classroom participation. Class based regulation is always our first approach, with Grace Point providing an additional layer of support when a student requires a more structured or low sensory environment. Our goal is to support students to regulate, reconnect and return to learning.
Our Social Club also provides a welcoming option for students who may find the social demands of recess and lunchtime challenging, creating opportunities for connection and belonging.
Ultimately, Grace Point is about building independence. We want students to understand their own regulation needs, recognise what helps them and develop strategies they can increasingly use for themselves.
Through Grace Point, we celebrate neurodiversity and recognise that equity does not mean giving every student the same thing it means providing each student with the support they need to access learning, experience success and belong.
Regulate. Reconnect. Return to Learning.
Celebrating Grace Point Student Voices
“When I need a rest, I play with the fidgets, learn chess and do my Scooter PE stretches, which stop my muscles from getting tight.” Joshua Jones, Year 9
“What I love about Grace Point is that everyone there is kind and I love the quiet space and the books that are there and all the posters.” Harrison Jones Year 9
“Having a dedicated regulation space like Grace Point at Peter Carnley is so important because our neurodivergent students can experience the school environment differently. High Noise, busy crowds, class transitions, changes in routine and academic demands can sometimes become overwhelming. Grace Point provides a safe and supportive environment where students can regulate without feeling that they have failed or are being punished.” Cindy Feldman – Diverse Learning Education Assistant.
“Grace Point is good for regulation and has lots of fidgets. I use it for when I'm really stressed and grumpy. It's important to have Grace Point at our school because neurodivergent people need it when they are dysregulated.” Amelia Ziomek Year 9
“I like Grace Point because it is a safe space and I can go when I am stressed out. I also like all the fidgets, tools and books that help me understand how I can desensitise in all of my classes.
Oma Chimburuoma Year 9
What I love about Grace Point is that the staff are friendly and check in with me. It benefits me because it’s the only quiet spot in the whole school to regulate, and I can use the fidgets to help me focus in class. It is important to have a grace period for neurodivergent kids so that we can regulate and have a safe environment to learn social skills and make safe friends. Anonymous
Grace Point is important because neurodivergent students can become overwhelmed at school and need a calm space to regulate before returning to class. Carissa Landquist Year 10
Melissa Galindo
Head of Diverse Learning