Side by side is fabulous. It is a school that allows all it's children to learn through play. On his first day, my son Yosef said to me 'More, I want more side by side'.
Mrs Sarah Frielich - mother of Yosef (5yrs) and Tzvi (2yrs). Neither child has special needs
About Us
Side by Side was founded 10 years ago by Mrs Rebecca Rumpler, now Director of the registered charity, two years after her own son was born with Downs Syndrome.
At this time Rebecca was struggling to find a school which would consider enrolling her son. When it became apparent that none of the local schools or nurseries were equipped, or willing, to consider him due to his special requirements, she decided that the only option was to look after him herself.
Keen that her son should not have to grow up without the interaction he would experience at school, Mrs. Rumpler began a playgroup for local children. Within 18 months Rebecca found herself looking after 12 children. She had, almost inadvertently, started a school - Side by Side was born.At this time Rebecca was struggling to find a school which would consider enrolling her son. When it became apparent that none of the local schools or nurseries were equipped, or willing, to consider him due to his special requirements, she decided that the only option was to look after him herself.
Keen that her son should not have to grow up without the interaction he would experience at school, Mrs. Rumpler began a playgroup for local children. Within 18 months Rebecca found herself looking after 12 children. She had, almost inadvertently, started a school - Side by Side was born.At this time Rebecca was struggling to find a school which would consider enrolling her son. When it became apparent that none of the local schools or nurseries were equipped, or willing, to consider him due to his special requirements, she decided that the only option was to look after him herself.
Keen that her son should not have to grow up without the interaction he would experience at school, Mrs. Rumpler began a playgroup for local children. Within 18 months Rebecca found herself looking after 12 children. She had, almost inadvertently, started a school - Side by Side was born.