Footprints Special Needs School

Updated July 2026

FootPrints is an independent, registered LSEN (Learner Special Education Needs) school that provides specialized education for pupils aged 2 to 18. It is designed for children who struggle in mainstream or remedial environments, offering a highly individualized approach to help them become productive, integrated members of society.

AcademicsAdmission & FeesCampusLeadership

Curriculum

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Teaching approach

FootPrints operates on the belief that every child is valuable and capable of contributing to society in their own unique way. The school focuses on identifying each student's individual method of learning, providing a nurturing environment that emphasizes patience, encouragement, and individualized support to help students reach their full potential.

Programmes

The school accommodates a maximum of 59 pupils and does not utilize traditional grade levels, as student levels differ across subjects. The curriculum incorporates visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic teaching techniques, including Audiblox therapy, a literacy program backed by James Patterson, coding, and computer science. Practical life skills are integrated into the senior phase, and communication support is provided through Makaton and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).

Student support

EAL support

Unknown

Learning support

Unknown

Learning support

The school provides comprehensive on-site support from a multidisciplinary team, including an occupational therapist, speech therapist, physiotherapist, clinical social worker, biokineticist, and a spelling-to-communicate practitioner. Every child receives weekly oxygen therapy and weekly hydrotherapy sessions conducted by a qualified biokineticist.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

Prospective parents are encouraged to contact the school to schedule an appointment and tour the facilities. The school is a registered LSEN (Learner Special Education Needs) Preparatory School, and as a fully registered institution with the Department of Education, school fees may be claimed as part of tax returns.

Calendar

The school operates on a four-term calendar with scheduled breaks, public holidays, and specific events such as open days, sports days, and graduation. The academic year typically begins in mid-January and concludes in early December, featuring milestones like an Easter egg hunt, a school play, and a senior class camp.

Facilities

PlaygroundLibraryScience labsArt roomBoarding

About the campus

The campus consists of separate premises for the Junior and Senior phases located in Malanshof, Randburg. Facilities include a heated indoor hydrotherapy pool, a mild hypobaric oxygen chamber, and classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and tablet technology for every pupil.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a variety of activities to foster development, including vegetable gardening, sewing, woodwork, art, and hospitality for the senior section. Students also participate in sports days, water sports days, and social events like a Valentine’s Day pool party and picnic.

Sharon RowePrincipal & Senior Phase Educator
Sharon has 37 years of experience in education, having worked in pre-schools and as a principal in a mainstream school before joining FootPrints in 2005. She holds numerous qualifications, including NHED(PP), and is certified in various therapeutic practices such as Audiblox, ABR, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. She is passionate about helping children reach their unique potential and has been instrumental in opening the school's Intermediate and Senior phases.
Kaylee FeatherstoneJunior Phase Educator
Kaylee has over 13 years of experience teaching children with special needs, with a focus on the foundation phase. She holds a Montessori Diploma and is a certified play therapist and registered Lifeline Counsellor. She is dedicated to providing individualized support and fostering confidence in her students.
Vanessa van der MerweFoundation Phase Educator & Specialist Wellness Counsellor
Vanessa holds a B.Ed in Foundation Phase Education and a B.HSc Honours in Psychology, and is a registered Specialist Wellness Counsellor. She has experience in both mainstream and special needs environments, including practical teaching at Meerhof School and providing counselling services. She is passionate about creating nurturing environments where children can grow academically, emotionally, and socially.
Michele WaltersLife Skills Educator
Michele holds a B.A. in Social Science and Honours in Social Work and Psychology. She has extensive experience teaching computer literacy and has worked at various schools, including Japari School, before joining FootPrints. She is certified in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and is passionate about motivating personal growth and supporting academic development.
Tamzin RoweBiokineticist & PE Teacher
Tamzin holds a Master of Science in Medicine (Biokinetics) from WITS and is a certified Biokineticist and PE teacher. She is also a national karate athlete and coach, and holds various certifications in sports nutrition, massage therapy, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. She is passionate about physical activity and helping students with special needs.
Gracious NcubeTeacher Assistant – Senior Phase
Gracious is a teacher assistant for the Senior Phase and holds a Form 4 (O Level) qualification. She is inspired by the resilience and unique perspectives of the children she works with.