The Monthly Chapter: February 2025

As we move into February, we are excited to share updates, achievements, and important changes across our services. This month has been filled with progress, dedication, and new initiatives designed to better support the young people in our provisions. From enhanced session structures in Alternative Provision to exciting activities and milestones in Supported Accommodation (16+), we continue to focus on creating positive outcomes for young people in our care.


Alternative Provision

February has been a busy and productive month for our Alternative Provision. We are implementing exciting changes across our provisions to better support the needs of the young people in our care. Our goal is to help them work towards their targets and achieve their desired outcomes.

In response to evolving needs, we have adjusted our Secondary provision session times starting this term. Our new session hours are:

  • Morning Session: 8:45 AM – 11:45 AM
  • Afternoon Session: 12:15 PM – 3:15 PM

We are no longer offering full-day sessions in our Secondary provisions. These shorter, three-hour sessions will allow for more focused engagement and targeted outcomes for our students.

To continue delivering high-quality support and services that benefit your students, we will be adjusting our fee structure effective Monday, April 21st 2025:

  • Standard provision rate: £55.00 per hour
  • 1:1 provision rate: £100 per hour (unchanged)

This increase will allow us to maintain the necessary resources, continue to upskill our staff, and ensure the best possible experience for the young people in our care. We recognise the importance of budget planning and are committed to supporting you during this transition.

If you have any questions about the new fee structure or wish to discuss its impact on your current arrangements, please feel free to reach out to us. To better serve our schools and local authorities, we have updated our primary contacts:

  • Natalie Lee, Head of Operations – primary contact for Secondary schools and Local Authorities
  • Charlotte Linsell – primary contact for Primary schools

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact either of them directly. Thank you for your continued partnership with Storyy Alternative Provision. We look forward to working together to support the success and well-being of the young people in our provisions.


Assemblies & Workshops
 

Since October 2024, we have delivered over 40 assemblies and workshops to local schools, reaching over 5,600 young people to educate and challenge views on Knife Crime, County Lines and Exploitation, amongst other topics.

A few weeks ago, we were proud to participate in the Positive Choices Workshop, led by Wokingham Borough Council’s Community Safety Partnership. In collaboration with Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Soulscape, the workshop tackled key issues such as knife crime, exploitation, healthy relationships, and safety awareness.

Through real-life experiences, interactive activities, and Virtual Reality, students gained valuable insights to help them make safer choices. Click here to watch a video from the Positive Choices Workshop, or to get in touch about booking a workshop or assembly for your school.

We would also like to inform you that Lee Barefoot is no longer serving as the Account Manager for Storyy Alternative Provision and has transitioned into the role of Community Engagement Manager. Over the past two months, Lee has been delivering high-quality assemblies and workshops across Slough, Wokingham, and Reading, covering essential topics such as knife crime, exploitation, bullying, and online safety. Lee will now be leading the booking and delivery of all assemblies and exploring new initiatives to support our local communities. For more information, please contact [email protected].


Supported Accommodation & Children’s Home

Supported Accommodation (16+)

17 young people currently in Storyy Homes:

    • 2 in school
    • 7 in college
    • 2 have just started an apprenticeship
    • 2 have just started employment
    • 4 are not in education, training, or employment (ETE)
    • 1 has recently moved on to further independence


Achievements

  • One young person has remained sober, attended all their appointments, engages with drug & alcohol services, and is accepting psychiatric help. They are also reconnecting with their family, which is a significant milestone.
  • Four young people have started employment, including two in apprenticeships.


Exciting Activities in February

  • Staff and young people attended a Banger Racing event.
  • A half-term Go-Karting outing with ten participants.
  • Arts, crafts, and cooking activities for Valentine’s Day.
  • A BBQ garden party to celebrate Madi’s 18th birthday.
  • Ongoing cooking activities and wonderful support happening across the homes.
  • An amazing co-production project where Richard and Madi worked together to film a 20-minute training video showing real-life examples of support using the PACE model vs. non-PACE. The first staff training session was well received, with participants finding it insightful and impactful.
  • Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate Ramadan across our homes next month!


Children’s Home

  • One young person has completed a qualification in online safety.
  • One young person has joined the home and is settling in well.


Apprenticeships & Training

Do you have staff members who have been hesitant to start an apprenticeship due to the Maths & English functional skills requirements? A new flexibility has been introduced allowing 19+ learners to complete their apprenticeship without the need to complete Functional Skills qualifications.

  • Employers can now decide whether adult learners (19+) need to complete a Level 2 English and Maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) to pass their apprenticeship.
  • Apprentices aged 16-18 are still required to complete Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths if they have not previously achieved a Grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE.
  • Early Years Educator Level 3 apprentices must still complete English Functional Skills to pass.

Find out more about our apprenticeships by clicking here!

Congratulations to all our learners who have passed their End Point Assessments in January and February!

  • George Hunt (Progressive Sports): Sports Coach Level 4 – Pass
  • Micah Gayle (Progressive Sports): Sports Coach Level 4 – Pass
  • William Wright (Lions Sports Academy): Sports Coach Level 4 – Distinction
  • Jack Reynolds (Play Sports Ltd): Community Activator Coach – Pass

For any inquiries, please contact us at [email protected], call 01344 987 877 or click here to make an urgent referral.

Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to another fantastic month ahead!

 

Would you like to work for us? Check out our opportunities.

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