As the summer term rolls on and the end of the academic year comes into view, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible progress, creativity, and connection happening across Storyy Group. From kindness initiatives and hands-on science to gym sessions and meaningful conversations, June has been a month of growth, exploration and resilience across all of our settings.
Alternative Provision
Primary Provision
At Storyybrook, we’ve made some thoughtful additions to our daily routine that are already having a big impact. Every student now takes part in a ‘Daily Mile’ a structured movement break that helps boost focus, energy, and overall wellbeing. It’s quickly become one of the most anticipated parts of the day, especially as peers cheer each other on and build a real sense of camaraderie.
This term, we’ve also introduced ‘Kindness Coins’. Each day, students can nominate their peers for small acts of kindness they’ve observed. These are tracked and celebrated, and our ‘Kindness Champion’ earns extra points toward end-of-term rewards. It’s been wonderful to see the children actively looking for the good in one another.
Following a focused topic session on respect, we’ve rolled out a new ‘Respecting Others Daily Checklist’ that mentors review with children each session. This not only supports positive behaviour at Storyybrook, but also encourages children to carry those values home with them.
Our weekly themed sessions have packed in plenty of learning and hands-on fun. In Week 1, we explored the vast concept of ‘Time and Space’, building a scaled outdoor timeline of Earth’s history and using globes, torches, and sundials to understand Earth’s rotation and time zones. The students were amazed to learn how tiny the Earth is compared to the sun and how our tilted axis gives us the seasons.
In Week 2, we celebrated World Ocean’s Day by tracing the water cycle from dinosaur times to today, investigating why the sea is salty, and discovering the deep ocean’s weird and wonderful creatures. A highlight was simulating a tsunami to understand the ocean’s power.
By Week 3, we’d turned our attention to the theme of respect and continued our ocean study. Students watched clips from David Attenborough’s Ocean and discussed the threats facing our seas, like climate change and pollution. These discussions built on earlier learning about habitats and tectonic plates, connecting ideas across the curriculum.
Most recently, in Week 4, we tackled measurement. From scavenger hunts to timed Lego builds and place value conversions, students explored length in both millimetres and centimetres, solving practical problems and building real-world maths skills.
Secondary Provision
Across our secondary provisions, June has been full of insightful discussions, new experiences, and valuable life skills.
In Week 1, our focus was emotional wellbeing. After the half-term break, students and staff alike shared honest reflections on the challenges of returning to routine. These conversations helped normalise feelings of anxiety and provided tools to manage them.
Week 2 shifted the spotlight to post-16 options. Students explored college pathways, apprenticeships, and job applications. They learned what to wear to an interview and how to prepare for common questions useful and timely knowledge as many prepare for transitions this summer.
Week 3 was all about healthy living. Young people got hands-on in the kitchen, making smoothies and planning nutritious meals while reflecting on the importance of physical and mental health.
In Week 4, we addressed the topic of knife crime. Through real-life scenarios, students discussed the serious consequences of carrying weapons and how to respond to peer pressure. These sessions encouraged open, thoughtful conversations in a safe space.
Outside the classroom, students have been thriving too. Many have enjoyed regular games of manhunt at Swinley Forest, combining fresh air, physical activity, and fun. Others have taken part in gym sessions at Absolutely Fitness in Bracknell, focusing on strength, routine, and wellbeing.
At our Birch Hill site, we’re proud to report that students have collectively achieved over 70 AQA accreditations this half term, a huge testament to their effort and engagement.
We’ve also shared two important safeguarding videos with students and staff, produced through the Violence Prevention Partnership. These short films tackle child exploitation and online harm and are grounded in lived experiences to ensure impact and relevance.
Supported Accommodation & Children’s Homes
Across our Storyy Homes, 17 young people continue to make progress in education, employment, and personal growth.
Eight of our young people are currently in college, two are in apprenticeships, and two are in employment. Five are not currently in ETE, with some transitioning between school or college placements.
Exam season has come to an end, bringing a well-deserved sense of relief for many. This month, while a little quieter, still brought opportunities to develop life skills and share experiences. Young people have helped tidy gardens, clear sheds, prepare pancake breakfasts, and even cook their own curries. A highlight was a trip to the local funfair, an opportunity to enjoy summer and build positive memories together.
Apprenticeships & Training
June has been a successful month for our apprentices, with several learners completing their qualifications and moving on to new opportunities.
Congratulations to:
- Amina Camara – Level 3 Early Years Educator (Partou Silchester Manor)
- Shifa Ejaz – Level 3 Early Years Educator (Partou Silchester Manor)
- Nick Hunt – Level 4 Children, Young People & Families Practitioner (SBL Care Services)
- Jacob Dunn – Level 4 Sports Coach (Thirsk School)
- Jacob Saunders – Level 4 Sports Coach (IG Sports Coaching)
- Diogo Da Fonseca – Level 4 Sports Coach (Game On Sports Coaching)
We are so proud of their hard work and of the mentors who support them every step of the way.
If you’d like to reach out, make a referral or share feedback, you can contact us at:
📧 [email protected]
📞 01344 987 877
Thank you for being part of the Storyy Group community. Here’s to a strong finish to the summer term and a joyful, restful break ahead.
Until next time, The Storyy Team
