Building Momentum, One Step at a Time
March has been a month where progress has felt steady, visible and shared across Storyy Group. Across our Alternative Provision, Supported Accommodation (16+) and Children’s Homes, young people have continued to show resilience, curiosity and a growing sense of confidence in themselves.
What stands out this month is not just what has been achieved, but how it has been achieved. Through routine, consistency and relationships that young people trust, we continue to see meaningful steps forward.
Alternative Provision
Primary Alternative Provision – Storyybrook
March at Storyybrook has been full of practical learning, creativity and moments of connection.
Young people have continued developing independence through cooking, learning how to make pancakes while building their understanding of kitchen safety and shared responsibility. These sessions have supported confidence in everyday skills while encouraging communication and teamwork.
Learning has also explored the meaning behind Valentine’s Day, where young people took part in creative activities and discussions around how it is recognised across different cultures. This naturally led into wider cultural learning through Chinese New Year, where young people explored traditions, zodiac animals, food and lantern making. These sessions brought a strong sense of curiosity and engagement, with young people keen to share ideas and take part.
World Book Week was a real highlight. The provision was full of energy as young people dressed up, took part in themed activities and shared stories together. The Tiger Who Came to Tea tea party created a moment of shared enjoyment that brought learning and creativity together in a way that felt meaningful and memorable.
Alongside this, feedback this month has reinforced the strength of the environment at Storyybrook. An Educational Psychologist recognised the calm and supportive nature of the provision, highlighting the quality of mentoring and the way young people are supported to feel safe and understood. We also received feedback from a parent who shared their appreciation for the consistent care shown during a difficult period.
A particularly important moment this month was seeing one young person secure a specialist placement after a long wait. Alongside this, it has been encouraging to see more young people choosing to take part in group sessions and building positive relationships with one another.
Secondary Alternative Provision
Finchampstead
At Finchampstead, learning this month has continued to balance practical skills with reflection and awareness.
PSHE sessions have covered First Aid, Drugs and Alcohol, Health and Fitness and the Climate Crisis. Young people have approached these topics with maturity, showing a willingness to engage in both discussion and hands-on learning.
The salon space has evolved this month, now allowing for acrylic nail work. This has created new opportunities for creativity and vocational learning. One young person has also begun painting characters from Inside Out as part of a Calm Corner project, helping to shape a space that supports emotional regulation and reflection.
There is also a growing focus on independence and real world experience. Upcoming volunteering opportunities at Coffee and Coach will give young people the chance to build confidence in new environments, while the upcoming Storyy of Spring photography competition will encourage creativity and connection to the world around them.
Trades
Trades continue to be a space where confidence is built through doing.
Young people have been consistently working through AQA units while developing their own projects and supporting others. What has stood out this month is the strength of peer relationships. Young people are increasingly encouraging one another, offering advice and recognising each other’s work, creating a positive and respectful environment.
Work on the site itself has also continued, with the landscaping area cleared and prepared for wood chipping. The installation of a timber frame has improved access and shows the level of ownership young people are taking over their environment.
One example of progress this month has been Alfie, who has begun stepping outside of his comfort zone. Having previously preferred to work independently, he has started building connections with peers and supporting others during tasks. These moments, while small, reflect real growth in confidence and communication.
Birch Hill
At Birch Hill, the focus this month has been on preparation and next steps.
PSHE sessions have covered Mental Wellbeing, Drugs and Alcohol and Careers, supporting young people to reflect on their choices and consider their future pathways.
Several Year 11 young people are preparing to support Storyybrook with maintenance work, contributing to the wider community while developing practical skills and responsibility. These opportunities help young people feel part of something bigger, while building confidence in their abilities.
Young people are also working towards key milestones. One is nearing completion of a construction course, while others are preparing for functional skills exams. Engagement with boxing sessions remains strong, with young people continuing to train consistently and complete AQA units.
A Term of Growth Across Alternative Provision
This term has seen continued growth across Storyy Alternative Provision.
We have welcomed 16 new young people into our services, while supporting 136 young people across provision and outreach. Six new schools have joined us in partnership, strengthening our reach and collaboration.
Eight young people have successfully reintegrated into education, reflecting both readiness and the impact of consistent support. Across all sites, 353 AQA awards have been achieved, alongside four young people completing their exams and 12 receiving targeted tutoring.
Our wider impact has also continued to grow. We have delivered 21 assemblies and workshops, reaching just under 1000 young people across local schools.
This term has also marked the expansion of Storyy, with new provisions opening in Wiltshire and Milton Keynes. Alongside this, staff have completed Paediatric First Aid and Trauma Informed training, strengthening the quality and consistency of support across all services.
Recognising Progress
This month has been full of moments that reflect both individual and team progress.
Young people have shown increased confidence in sessions, supported one another and taken steps towards their next stages, including securing college placements and developing new skills.
Staff across all sites continue to play a key role in this progress. Their consistency, care and willingness to go beyond what is expected continues to make a real difference in the lives of the young people we support.
Supported Accommodation
March has been a positive and active month across Storyy Supported Accommodation (16+)
We are currently supporting 14 young people, with many engaged in education, employment or working towards their next steps. Across the homes, there has been a strong sense of energy and connection.
Workshops delivered this month focused on migration and independent living, helping young people understand real life challenges, responsibilities and the transition into adulthood. These sessions created space for discussion, reflection and learning that feels relevant and practical.
Daily life across the homes has been equally important. Football, basketball and cooking sessions have brought young people together, building confidence, independence and shared experiences.
Eid was also celebrated this month, with homes decorated and meals shared. These moments help create environments where young people feel recognised, respected and included.
Children Homes
Across our Children’s Homes, the focus this month has been on building independence and supporting personal development.
One young person has taken important steps towards independence, developing confidence in the community and beginning to understand budgeting. Another has made significant progress in personal hygiene, an area that has previously been challenging. These changes reflect consistency, encouragement and the strength of relationships within the home.
A Message from the Team
March has shown that progress does not need to be rushed to be meaningful.
Across Storyy Group, young people have continued to take steps forward through steady support, clear routines and trusted relationships. Every small step builds towards something bigger.
If you would like to learn more about Storyy Group, discuss referrals or explore how we can support young people in your setting, please get in touch.
📧 hello@storyy.group
📞 01344 987 877
🌐 www.storyy.group
