The Monthly Chapter: November 2025

November was a month defined by steady progress, meaningful engagement and purposeful routines across Storyy Group. Young people continued to show resilience, curiosity and commitment in both Alternative Provision and Supported Accommodation (16+). Staff across all services provided calm guidance, consistent expectations and supportive environments that helped young people move forward with confidence.

As always, our work has been guided by the core Storyy principles of meeting young people where they are, building structure around uncertainty and helping each individual write the next chapter of their story.

Alternative Provision

November was a month of purposeful learning, personal development and structured progress across all Storyy Alternative Provision sites. Young people engaged in a wide range of experiences that supported emotional regulation, social development and academic readiness. Every site prioritised clear routines, predictable expectations and relational support, which helped young people feel settled and prepared to learn.

Storyybrook 

Storyybrook spent November exploring topics that helped young people understand themselves and their community. They took part in learning linked to Fireworks Night, Remembrance Day and People Who Help Us, which encouraged reflection, empathy and communication. These sessions allowed young people to build their understanding of safety, respect and the roles people play in supporting others.

A memorable part of November was the visit from the Royal Berkshire Fire Team. Young people had the opportunity to explore the fire engine, handle equipment and talk with firefighters. This hands-on experience encouraged curiosity, confidence and safety awareness and supported their understanding of People Who Help Us. November also included structured activities that promoted teamwork, emotional literacy and self regulation. Routines remained consistent throughout the month, helping young people develop calmness, resilience and readiness for the term ahead.

Finchampstead

November at Finchampstead was dedicated to PSHE learning that supported insight, wellbeing and personal growth. Young people explored drugs and alcohol awareness, anti bullying themes, healthy relationships and discussions about how physical health supports emotional wellbeing. These sessions encouraged open conversation and thoughtful reflection.

Young people took part in Anti Bullying Week by designing individual odd socks that represented uniqueness and acceptance. They also completed indoor fitness activities that supported stamina, confidence and emotional regulation. Practical sessions such as baking and food hygiene continued throughout November, giving young people opportunities to build independence, follow instructions and evaluate their work. The hair and beauty project grew further this month, with young people showing improved confidence in practical skills, communication and personal presentation.

Staff worked consistently to provide a calm and structured environment throughout November. As routines strengthened, young people became increasingly confident in their abilities and in their understanding of expectations.

Birch Hill

Birch Hill focused November on supporting mental wellbeing, resilience and readiness for reintegration. Young people engaged in sessions centred around health and prevention, fitness and emotional awareness. These sessions helped young people develop knowledge about their wellbeing and supported them to understand how daily choices and routines influence mental and physical health.

A significant achievement involved a young person attending trial days at a potential new school. They approached the experience with increasing confidence and received positive feedback, which reflected the supportive structure they have benefitted from at Birch Hill. November also included practical activities that promoted teamwork, communication and problem solving. Young people ended the month preparing for calm and positive end of term events that help them conclude the year with a sense of belonging and achievement.

Trades

Trades AP had a productive and structured, with young people engaging in both theoretical and practical learning. They continued working on AQA units related to tool identification, PPE, materials and trade terminology. These units helped young people develop a strong foundation of knowledge that supports practical confidence and safety awareness.

Practical tasks in November included landscaping projects, site improvements and the planning and creation of new outdoor seating areas. Young people learned how to budget for materials, measure and plan accurately and work collaboratively to complete projects. The steady routines and clear expectations allowed young people to take pride in their work and recognise the progress they were making.

Outreach

Throughout November, Outreach continued to provide highly personalised and relational support. Young people engaged in one to one sessions designed to build trust, stability and early achievement. Some young people earned multiple AQA awards within their first session, demonstrating strong engagement and motivation.

One young person who had previously experienced permanent exclusion reached a significant point, achieving a total of eighty seven AQA awards and rebuilding positive routines at home. They have now begun preparing for exams next year, which highlights the impact of consistent and personalised support. Outreach staff worked closely with families and professionals throughout November to ensure every young person experienced joined up and purposeful support.

Assemblies

November also marked the relaunch of our assembly programme. Building on the success of last year, which reached more than sixteen thousand nine hundred young people, we continued delivering sessions that support safety, awareness and healthy decision making. Topics included toxic masculinity and incel culture, helping schools offer safe spaces for complex and sensitive discussions. Schools are invited to contact us regarding assembly bookings for the upcoming term.

Supported Accommodation 

November was an important month across our Supported Accommodation services. Young people continued developing independence skills, building resilience and achieving personal milestones. Staff worked consistently to provide emotional support, routine and guidance, ensuring every young person felt safe, respected and understood.

Activities and Experiences

Young people enjoyed a number of activities throughout November, including walks at Dinton Pastures and Lily Hill Park which offered time for reflection, connection and emotional wellbeing. Two young people took part in go karting and visited Thorpe Park, both of which supported confidence building and positive social experiences.

Personal Achievements

November included several significant achievements that reflect increasing independence and self belief. These included a young person beginning driving lessons, another taking part in their first holiday with a partner, the start of a new job for another young person, the completion of a provisional driving licence application and the celebration of a seventeenth birthday. One young person was selected to join the Bracknell Remembrance Day Parade due to excellent engagement in their Public Services course which was a moment of real pride.

Home Life and Skills Development

Young people continued developing essential life skills throughout November. These included budgeting, meal preparation, planning and home organisation. Key work sessions supported emotional development and problem solving, helping young people reflect on challenges and identify strategies for growth. The Ruby House team also continued to provide steady and thoughtful support to Emerald House which strengthened teamwork and consistency across the service.

Children’s Homes

November was a month of steady progress, nurturing routines and meaningful achievements across our Children’s Homes. Young people continued to benefit from calm environments, clear expectations and a consistent approach that promotes safety, stability and emotional development.

Throughout the month, staff focused on building trust, supporting regulation and helping young people feel settled in their routines. Daily structure and relational practice remained central, allowing young people to develop confidence in both themselves and the adults around them.

A particularly special moment in November was a young person celebrating her seventeenth birthday. This milestone was marked with warmth, encouragement and a sense of pride in her personal journey. Celebrating birthdays within our homes is always meaningful, as it reinforces belonging, connection and the understanding that achievements are recognised and valued.

Another significant highlight of November was the involvement of a young person who was chosen to take part in the Remembrance Day Parade in Bracknell. Her commitment to her Public Services course at college and her positive engagement throughout the term led to this opportunity. Taking part in the parade demonstrated confidence, community involvement and growth in her understanding of responsibility and leadership.

Across the homes, young people also continued to develop essential independence skills through routines that supported personal care, organisation, emotional reflection and healthy communication. Staff maintained a thoughtful balance of structure and empathy, ensuring that every young person felt understood, supported and encouraged to make steady progress.

November reinforced the importance of safety, stability and consistent relationships in creating environments where young people can grow and thrive. The achievements seen throughout the month highlight the resilience of the young people and the dedication of the teams who support them.Training and Qualifications

Congratulations go to our learners whose achievements were recognised this month.
Lily Wigmore successfully completed the Level Two Community Activator Coach qualification, and Kathleen Smith achieved a Distinction in her Level Five Children, Young People and Families Manager qualification. These accomplishments reflect determination, growth and commitment to professional development.

A Message from the Storyy Team

November demonstrated how much progress is possible when young people are met with calm routines, consistent guidance and genuine belief. Across all areas of Storyy Group, young people have made meaningful steps forward through steady engagement, improved confidence, strengthened relationships and personal achievements. As we approach the festive season, we are taking time to create warm, welcoming spaces and moments of togetherness that help young people feel settled, valued and supported during this time of year.

Thank you to every member of staff for the commitment and care you bring to your work each day. Your consistency is what makes progress possible and helps ensure that the final weeks of the year feel positive, calm and connected for the young people we support.

For referrals, questions or enquiries please contact: hello@storyy.group /  01344 987 877