Alternative Provision
What a fantastic start to the year at our Alternative Provision! We’ve welcomed many new young people across all our provisions, and January has been a month filled with curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Storyybrook – Primary-aged Alternative Provision
This month, our young learners have been thinking like scientists, exploring solids, liquids, and gases. We conducted exciting experiments, including melting and cooling chocolate to observe state changes, using different ingredients to create gas and blow up a balloon, and even bending light through water to create a mini rainbow!
We also embraced cultural learning by celebrating Chinese New Year, where the children enjoyed discovering how the zodiac animals were chosen and created a giant snake in honour of the Year of the Snake.
Geography skills were also on the agenda! Our students practised using a compass, explored map symbols, and cracked codes using four-digit grid references. They even oriented the school using a map and compass, strengthening their navigation skills.
Birch Hill & Finchampstead – Secondary-aged Alternative Provision
January has been a month of growth, learning, and achievement. Our students participated in vital workshops on drug and alcohol awareness, gaining the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Through engaging 1:1 mentoring sessions, they explored the physical and psychological effects of substances and learned strategies to resist peer pressure.
Cooking sessions have been a huge hit! From preparing nutritious smoothies to baking and decorating a birthday cake for a fellow student, these sessions have taught valuable life skills, teamwork, and time management. Our students are becoming more confident in the kitchen and are learning to make healthier food choices.
Creativity has been thriving too! This month, students took part in a candle-making workshop, where they experimented with different colours, scents, and designs to create their own unique candles.
Introducing The Rewrite Programme
Launching in February 2025, The Rewrite Programme is designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to reintegrate back into mainstream schools or SEN education. Over 12 weeks, students engage in tailored mentoring, gradual reintroduction to school life, and personalised reintegration plans. Through activities such as trades, sports, music, and design, students transition from onsite support to independent school attendance, all while being guided by dedicated mentors.
Schools will receive comprehensive progress reports to ensure ongoing success. The Rewrite Programme is flexible and adaptable, meeting individual needs and empowering students to rewrite their future.
Get in touch today if you work with a young person who would benefit from The Rewrite Programme.
Calling All SENCos!
At Storyy Group, we’re committed to supporting SENCos and the incredible work you do for students with SEMH and SEND needs. To make sure we’re providing the right support, we need your insights.
We’ve created a short survey to understand what matters most to you, how we can collaborate effectively, and how we can help you achieve your goals. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping meaningful resources for SENCos. We will be gifting a £20 Amazon gift voucher to the first 20 SENCos who submit a response. Click here to fill out the survey now.
School Assemblies
Last month, we delivered Knife Crime assemblies to over 1,100 students at Bohunt School in Wokingham. All in all, we delivered 13 assemblies to 6 schools throughout January! We offer engaging and informative school assemblies on topics such as:
· Knife Crime & County Lines
· Drugs & Youth Exploitation
· Gang Involvement & Anti-Bullying
· LGBTQIA+ Awareness & Sexual Health
Our aim is to dispel myths, challenge media glamorisation, and encourage informed positive life choices. If your school would like a tailored assembly, let us know — we’d love to help!
Supported Accommodation (16+) & Children’s Homes
Our Supported Accommodation (16+) currently supports 18 young people across four homes. Eight of our residents are enrolled in college, one is preparing for employment, and another is starting an apprenticeship in sports coaching with Get Active in February.
January highlights included a scenic New Year’s hike at Box Hill, plenty of communal meals (steak night and taco night were favourites!), and an exciting night at the RBWM CIC Awards, where several of our young people were nominated and two won!
We also celebrated achievements within our ESOL programme, with students earning certificates for kindness, improvement, and hard work in math. A huge well done to everyone!
Looking ahead to February, we’re hosting a joint BBQ birthday celebration for two of our young people turning 18. Following feedback from house meetings, we’ve also secured discounted tickets to a Banger Racing event for our car enthusiasts and arranged a Go-Karting session for up to 10 young people, thanks to the support of the charity Absolutely Together.
Finally, a warm welcome to our new team members to our Children’s Home, Makala Kinonda and Eimear Pimley — we’re thrilled to have you on board!
Apprenticeships & Training
We’re excited to be exhibiting at the Childcare & Education Expo at Olympia London on February 28th & March 1st! Visit us at stand D6 to learn how we can support Early Years professionals in upskilling and career development. Register for free entry here.
National Apprenticeship Week: February 10th-14th Keep an eye on our social media as our Business Administration Apprentice, Brendon, takes over to share his apprenticeship journey, a day in the life of an apprentice, and insights on levy funding opportunities.
Are you looking to upskill your team in a school setting? Our Schools & Education Apprenticeships provide accredited qualifications to support Teaching Assistants, Team Leaders, and Behaviour & Sports Specialists. These funded programmes create pathways for leadership and skill development within your organisation.
Our apprenticeships provide tailored opportunities to develop skills, enhance expertise, and create pathways for leadership within your organisation. All our programmes can be funded through your organisation’s apprenticeship levy or government funding. Additionally, there is a £1,000 incentive available for hiring learners aged 16-18.
Ready to grow your team’s skills? Get in touch with Lisa, our Partnerships Manager, today to give your employees a boost: [email protected] / 07523 277566.
Get in Touch!
If you have any questions or would like to make an urgent referral for our Alternative Provision, we’re here to help!
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01344 987 877
Thank you for your continued support — we look forward to an exciting year ahead!
