Abyss Scuba School

About

This is an independent alternative provider of education (IAP), which is part of the West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Dynamic Purchasing System for schools to commission services. Find out more at Independent Alternative Provision.

Abyss Scuba School provides an alternative learning environment for children and young people who may struggle in traditional school settings. We are based at Littlehampton Marina and offer a calm, structured and supportive provision that combines emotional wellbeing support with practical, nature-based and water-based learning experiences. Our service is relationship-led and focuses on helping children build confidence, emotional regulation, communication skills and positive engagement with education. We work with children and young people who have a range of needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH profiles, anxiety, school-based trauma and emotionally based school avoidance. Learners take part in activities such as beach walks, nature and coastal exploration, rock pooling, teamwork tasks, creative reflection, and gentle water-based activities in our own heated indoor pool. As a PADI 5 star dive centre, we are also able to offer adapted snorkelling and introductory scuba sessions for young people who are ready and interested, delivered safely and at their own pace. Each learner will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) aligned to their EHCP outcomes where appropriate. Our experienced staff team includes qualified ELSA practitioners and specialists with experience supporting neurodivergent learners. We work closely with families, schools and local services to ensure communication, consistency and positive outcomes. Our aim is to provide a safe and engaging environment where children and young people feel understood, regulated and ready to learn again, with pathways that support reintegration, transition or longer-term alternative provision as needed.

What we do

• We provide a calm, structured and relationship-led alternative learning environment for children and young people who struggle in traditional school settings.
• We support children with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance and difficulties with social communication or regulation.
• We use nature-based and water-based activities, such as beach walks, rock pooling, nature exploration, snorkelling and pool-based sessions, to help young people regulate, build confidence and engage with learning differently.
• We create Individual Education Plans (IEPs) aligned to EHCP outcomes where relevant, and support emotional regulation through ELSA-informed practice, trusted adults and predictable routines.
• We work closely with families, schools and professionals to support reintegration, transitions or longer-term alternative provision depending on the needs of the child or young person.

Age range

8-25

Wheelchair accessible

Yes

Free to use

No

Requires referral

Yes

Requires application

Yes

Our users say

The staff are patient, knowledgeable and genuinely care about the children. Our son struggles with communication and regulation, but the combination of nature, water-based activities and consistent adults has made a huge difference. He comes home happy, tired in a good way, and proud of himself. We cannot recommend them enough.

We were amazed at how quickly our daughter settled in. She normally avoids anything that feels new, but Abyss felt different. She loved the beach days and learning about marine life. The staff really understand neurodivergent children and meet them where they are, without pressure. It has been a lifeline for our family.