When school system doesn’t work

In October 2024, we launched a provision for children, young people, and home-educated children, including those who are not in a school setting for various reasons. This was in response to the increasing number of young people not attending school and the choices made by families for home education (EHE). Our goal was to create a group for young people to access during the school day, offering a safe space where they could meet, socialise, make friends, and engage in activities of their choosing. It provided a valuable opportunity to get out of the house and interact with others. From the start, we gathered input from the young people to understand what they wanted from the group. Over time, the group has naturally evolved and grown. Now that we’ve ensured the group is child-centered and shaped by their feedback, we feel it’s the right time to start advertising it. The focus of the group will always be on the young person, using a holistic approach that centers on their wellbeing. We do not mimic traditional school environments; instead, we operate with a child-led, demand-free approach. The group is led by the young people, prioritising their needs and preferences, with wellbeing at the core of all interactions.