Testimonials

I have found Roots4Learning a total lifeline for our son. I feel the approach to learning, relationships with people and adults represents the 'other side' of education, where relationships are vital and valued. Some — perhaps all — children need this very much to feel safe, heard and worthy. I can't recommend it more highly. I believe the knowledge the staff can have of the students is very much linked to the scale of the setting and know it will be important to try to keep that aspect going forward.

I am so grateful that I can attend the small supportive environment that is Roots4Learning. I am so comfortable here. They understand my needs, they encourage me to develop my interests and expand my thinking, as well as providing low pressure peer interaction.

Special mention to Rob — the relationship he has with our son is amazing. He has a very personable approach and gets on the right level to achieve his true potential. He has realistic expectations and tailors his learning with an approach that engages and connects but also applies appropriate boundaries.

Roots has been a complete game changer for my son and us as a family on the whole. He has SEMH and diagnosed ADHD and at his mainstream school had not been able to stay in any of his lessons. His psychiatrist has signed him off school whilst recognising that he benefits from the environment at Roots and encouraged his continued attendance there.

Seeing him come from an environment where he could not cope to being able to attend Roots regularly — 100% attendance — and integrating himself fully in all that Roots offers has been invaluable. Not only do the staff show a deep understanding for his complexities but they have also been amazing at building a relationship with him, resulting in him seeing himself no longer as someone who can't join in education, but as someone who has unique strengths to offer.

The staff at Roots have a firm understanding of my son in terms of his learning. They use creative approaches to engage him and have high aspirations of what he can achieve. They are also informed and offer a variety of options other than traditional GCSE routes to allow him to see that he has a choice and continued access to education.

The environment they provide — with amazing leadership and a group of dedicated staff, all on the same page with the children's best interests at the forefront — offers bespoke, personalised, caring support, guidance and child-led activities at the child's own level and pace. The child feels valued, appreciated, acknowledged and supported through their journey, always with kindness and encouragement to make learning seem achievable again. Couldn't be happier to have found them!

The staff at Roots have created strong links with his mainstream school, which has been particularly helpful in re-strengthening the relationship between us as parents and his school. Since starting his placement at Roots he has regained confidence, taken up riding his bike again, and is engaging more socially with his friends. He feels safe at Roots, which is not an easy state for him to reach by any means.

Roots has been absolutely invaluable for our son as it offers this vital safe learning space for him to be around other young people. The friendly, caring staff provide exactly the low-pressure environment that has allowed him to attend, while also providing a good standard of education. It has had a definite positive effect on his mental health.

I felt so much relief the minute we walked through the door at Roots4Learning. They understand my daughter and her needs. Mainstream schools broke my daughter. The staff at Roots4Learning are responsible for rebuilding her and for that I am eternally grateful. They have the skills, knowledge and understanding and work in a trauma-informed way, putting the mental health and wellbeing of my child first.

I like going to Roots because I'm actually included and can have normal conversations. I meet people who are more like me and the tutors are calm, nice people. I get small, interactive lessons where I can discuss what's going on — that's how I learn best. I'm not made to feel stupid or slow and I feel I am actually learning. I'm doing much better on my tests and I'm going to be able to take GCSEs. Roots is a safe place for me — it's like being part of a big family.

My daughter started at Roots at the beginning of the summer term. She has made wonderful progress in the short time she has been there. She is on the autistic spectrum and has diagnoses of situational mutism, anxiety and PTSD. Attending Roots has meant she is leaving the house and spending time apart from me, which is a big step for her. She is working towards an Art Award and is engaging with learning once more. She is happier and more confident in herself.

My daughter's needs are complex and have led to her being unable to attend school for many years. The staff at Roots are skilled at meeting her needs and enabling her to move forwards. Their trauma-informed practice has been key in supporting my daughter. As parents we are confident that the teaching and support at Roots will enable her to make the academic progress she is capable of, whilst having her social and emotional needs met.

This time last year he was very distressed, struggling to cope with his emotions, unable to express or regulate them. He was refusing to go to school and running away in a true 'fight or flight' state. He started at Roots and this is now his happy place — he is definitely better in himself on the days that he attends.

My daughter started at Roots in December 2023. At the time she was struggling with school and her mood was at its lowest point on what has been a difficult four years of navigating secondary school. Within a few weeks of attending Roots her mood improved and she looked forward to attending. Things improved at her mainstream school as well. Roots has played an important part of my daughter's wellbeing.