Supporting families through barriers to attending school
A part-time, small nurturing provision that aims to offer help and support quickly
Local Authorities
We collaborate with local authorities to deliver tailored support for students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and those receiving Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) provision.
Find out moreSchools
We partner with secondary schools to provide compassionate support for young people who may be feeling overwhelmed in mainstream settings.
Find out moreParents, Carers and Home Educators
We support home-educating families with sessions at Roots4Learning, and we also act as a centre for Functional Skills and GCSE exams.
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‘When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower’ Alexander Den HeijerLearn More
Our Aims
Offer support and connection quickly
When young people experience barriers to attendance, they can feel totally isolated and disconnected. At Roots we want to be able to offer help quickly, with flexibility around the young person's needs.
Re-engage learning with high aspirations
We create bespoke pathways at Roots for KS3, KS4 and KS5. We offer GCSE subjects in English, Maths, Sociology, Music, Art and PE. As an accredited exam centre, students can sit their GCSE and functional skills exams with us here at Roots. We also offer some vocational qualifications, including Cookery, Childcare, Employability Skills and Expressive Arts. There is also a growing KS5 offer. We passionately believe every student should have the autonomy to choose which path is right for them.
Encourage social connections
At Roots, we want to create an environment that feels safe where students feel a genuine sense of connection and belonging. Many of the young people who come to us have experienced painful social rejection or have simply been out of the company of peers for a long time. We work hard to build trust slowly, never forcing interaction, but always creating the conditions in which friendships and confidence can quietly grow. We do this through our culture, ethos, the physical environment and our emotionally available, highly skilled staff.
Improve wellbeing
With a positive sense of self, and wellbeing, learning can take place. We put wellbeing at the heart of our work at Roots. PSHE is taught as a core subject covering a wide range of topics around relationships and health. Exercise is encouraged as is practical work around nutrition and healthy lifestyles. We model and teach coping and regulation techniques.
‘I am so grateful that I can attend the small supportive environment that is Roots4Learning. I am so comfortable here.’Student
‘I have found Roots4learning a total lifeline for our son. I feel the approach to learning, relationships with people/adults represents the ‘other side’ of education.’Parent
‘I like going to roots because I’m actually included and can have normal conversations. I meet people who are more like me.’Student
‘Our son was one of the first children to enrol at Roots and can I honestly say it saved our lives!’Parent
‘I felt so much relief the minute we walked through the door at Roots4learning. They understand my daughter and her needs.’Parent
Take a look around
Can’t visit yet? These short tours show you the rooms and spaces your young person will use at Roots.
Main tour
Walk through our building and see where young people spend their day.
Sports hall
Where we run PE, team games and active breaks.
Boxing gym
Our boxing sessions help build focus, confidence and self-control.
Relational work that supports the nervous systems of our young people, their families and our staff
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