about us

who are we?

The ReConnect Programme is an Alternative Provision that provides a bespoke programme of activities tailored to the individual's interests, aspirations, and learning style. Their tutors are professionals in their fields, and the state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment ensure that young people in The ReConnect Programme gain real-world experience and valuable industry connections, regardless of their age. The ReConnect Programme is specifically designed for children and young individuals aged 11 - 25 years, from mainstream education, SEND, SEMH, PRU, at-risk children, looked-after young people, adults at risk, adults experiencing mental health issues, individuals with autistic spectrum conditions, and adults with learning disabilities.

The ReConnect Programme delivers training in over 100 specialist activities, accredited courses, qualifications, and vocational learning opportunities that are integral to our programme. With strong community connections and access to an online platform for home learning, resources, portfolios, and stakeholder inclusion, they ensure support and opportunities for all participants.

We offer in-school support, mobile and site-based programmes, vocational learning, post-16 routes, Elective Home Education support, and holiday and after-school upskilling opportunities. Referrals are accepted from schools, local authorities, PRUs, social care, families, and a range of other professionals working with young people, including health services, community organisations, and voluntary sector partners.

Backed by research and driven by lived experience, our approach is holistic, relational, flexible, and focused on long-term outcomes.

what we offer at reconnect

The ReConnect Programme offers a high-engagement, purpose-built alternative provision with a broad, personalised curriculum combining academic learning, vocational pathways, creative arts, sport, therapeutic support, accredited courses and qualifications. Through our purpose built areas and specialist Hubs we can offer over 100 activies.

We provide a comprehensive, bespoke programme of activities tailored to the individual's interests, aspirations, and learning style. This approach maximises engagement and supports learners to reintegrate or meet their targets. We try to meet the need of every learner, if you are interested in your individual joining reconnect but do not see their interests listed, please contact us.

Therapeutic & Practical facilities and practice

Counseling with trained professionals
Textiles Studio & Fashion Lab
Sports, Fitness & Performance Centre
Construction Yard & Trade Workshops
Design & Technology Innovation Workshop
Food & Hospitality Training Kitchen
Music, Production & Performance Studios
Art & Creative Media Studios
Hair, Make-Up & Beauty Salon Training Suite
Gardening & Outdoor Horticulture Area
Bushcraft & Outdoor Skills Area
Therapeutic & Wellbeing Spaces
Preparation for Work & Enterprise Hub
Core Learning & Academic Hub
Mechanics & Engineering Workshop
Bike Mechanics Workshop
Computing & Digital Technology Suite
State of the Art Martial Arts facilities
Jump Biking Facilities
Animal Care and Farming Facilities

Academic & Vocational offering

Functional Skills English Level 1 & Level 2 (course and exam)
Functional Skills Maths Level 1 & Level 2 (course and exam)
Trinity Arts Award
AQA Unit Award Scheme
NOCN Accredited qualifications
Practical Vocational Learning
Crossover Grading Platform generating assessment evidence for reintegration or onward progression
Mapped Curriculum: All activities align with Key Stage 3 and 4 English, Maths, Science and Functional Skills

Employability Pathways & Support

Every ReConnect learner benefits from tailored input to develop essential employability skills. We embed work readiness into our provision through:

CV writing, interview preparation and careers advice
Business and Entrepreneurial support from an idea to full development
Support applications for apprenticeships and traineeships
Help young people understand workplace expectations and standards
Facilitate meaningful placements across multiple industries
Provide on-the-job training and mentoring
Opportunities for work experience
all aspects of our provision prioritises building prospects and reintegration

Enterprise & Business Creation

We offer unique opportunities for young people to develop their own business ideas from concept to creation. Learners can:

Develop a business plan and brand identity
Design logos, flyers, and marketing materials
Build a simple website or social media presence
Learn about sales, pricing, customer interaction, and budgeting
Launch and test products or services with feedback and guidance

These sessions build real-world confidence, entrepreneurial thinking, and transferable skills for a range of future opportunities.

where is reconnect delivered?

We primarily deliver The ReConnect Programme at one of our Base Hubs at Thurston Park. However we are incredibly flexible and can work to the needs of the individual by delivering online, in the home, within your organisation or at one of our affiliated organisation's bases. We can also offer in-school provisions where we work with schools to utilise and add facilities to create a bespoke provision that positively impacts the wellbeing, inclusion and engagement of students - helping them to work with staff and become reintegrated with all aspects of school life, without leaving the school setting.

who is reconnect for?

Sessions are available to all but we specialise in working with individuals facing challenges in life. The sessions are tailored for the following groups:

Children and young individuals across various settings, including mainstream, SEND, SEMH & PRU
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Behavioural challenges and disengagement
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Looked after or ‘at risk’ Young People
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions

One of the most popular uses for The Reconnect Programme is for youth struggling within the confines of a traditional classroom setting or facing issues with their wellbeing or mental health. Maybe they are attempting to cope with education as a student with a disability or special educational needs, or perhaps they are dealing with one of a huge range of pressures that today's young people have to face.

How to join reconnect:

the Referral process

ReConnect is listed on the Approved Providers List for Local Authorities and meets all necessary standards for safeguarding, insurances, policies, and operational procedures. We work in close partnership with schools, family services, health and social care teams, and other referring agencies to provide a seamless referral process and high-quality interventions.

We are accepting referrals for short term placements, long term placements, and transition/reintegration opportunities.

Referral Process:

Referrals can be made via our website at www.reconnect1-1.com/referral-form
We will make contact regarding your referral within three working days
Once approved by relevant panels, the bespoke provision plan and a start date is shared within 10 working days.

This simple process ensures that young people can begin meaningful, well-planned support in a timely and professional manner.

Our Ethos & Approach: The ReConnect Way

Our aim is to ensure that every young person has access to a pathway that leads them toward their goals -whether academic, vocational, personal, or professional - based on targets and outcomes set in partnership with the young person and their wider support network.

We deliver tailored, multi-strand programmes that reflect not only educational needs but also identity, wellbeing, and aspirations - enabling learners to become the person they aspire to be through a blend of personalised planning, therapeutic input, and real-world opportunities.

The Reconnect Way is our unique mantra for setting our sessions up for success every day. It is laser focused on the individual needs of every young person, and is guided by their EHCP and their Individual Learning Plans. It’s also focussed on ensuring that every session is designed for our young people to succeed, whatever that success might look like.

We believe in culture, creativity, focus and skills. We believe in the power of achievement for well-being. And we believe in communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging and worth.

We know the power of creativity. The cultivation of creativity in young people not only enhances their problem-solving skills but also fosters self-expression and innovation, ultimately empowering them to navigate life's challenges with a sense of confidence and adaptability. By facilitating and environment that utilises creativity and provides skills, knowledge and opportunity, we can empower these young people to embrace education, embrace themselves, and ultimately, embrace a brighter future. The Reconnect Programme not only caters to various learning styles, but it also cultivates problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and self-confidence. When children are given the opportunity to paint their thoughts, sculpt their ideas, or act out their narratives, they develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. As we witness the challenges many young minds face in the rigid structures of education, it is more evident than ever that empowering todays youth is vital. By merging things like creativity, real world experience, expression, imaginative exploration, and hands-on engagement into their learning journey, we can provide these students with an escape from monotony and facilitate a pathway to self-discovery and success.

Evidence-Informed Practice

Our educational philosophy has been deeply influenced by the work of Sir Ken Robinson, whose pioneering views on creativity, personalised learning, and the need for inclusive, life-preparatory education are embedded throughout our model. Robinson championed an education system that recognised individual strengths, embraced different learning styles, and prioritised play, exploration, and curiosity as essential elements of learning. His vision is reflected in our five-strand approach and our focus on learner voice, wellbeing, and real-world readiness.

At ReConnect, we believe that preparing young people for life - not just for exams - requires flexible, engaging, and emotionally intelligent provision. Like Robinson, we understand that nurturing creativity, physicality, wellbeing, resilience, and adaptability is as crucial as academic success.

Staff Training & CPD

We prioritise continued professional development across our staff and partners. Our CPD programme covers at minimum:

A Practical Guide to the GDPR
Equality & Diversity
Child Protection Fundamentals
Safeguarding Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
First Aid Essentials
Fire Safety
The Prevent Duty
Safeguarding Young People
Food Hygiene and Safety

In-School Intervention:

ReConnect offers in school intervention tailored to meet the individual needs of learners within a school setting. Our specialist facilitators work in 1:1 or small group settings to deliver:

Creative, therapeutic, physical, academic, and vocational sessions
Academic catch-up and enrichment
Behavioural support and reintegration planning
Full alignment with EHCP targets and individual learning plans

These services are embedded within the school day to minimise disruption and allow learners to re-engage in a familiar, structured, and supportive environment.

In-School Hub Provision:

The ReConnect In-School Inclusion Programme allows schools to host fully equipped modular container units, each delivering 1:1 and group interventions aligned with our provision.

ReConnect handles the full installation, staffing, and operation of each unit, delivering high-quality interventions on school grounds. This not only supports learners to thrive in a safe, on-site environment but also removes the need for off-site placements. We have worked hard to provide schools with an average cost saving of over 40% compared to external placements by avoiding daily transport costs, additional escort staff, and external service fees. The model also reduces safeguarding concerns and improves attendance and reintegration outcomes.

The hubs are designed to:

Deliver consistent, high-quality provision without leaving school grounds
Minimise pupil movement and emotional disruption
Enhance school capacity for supporting SEMH and SEND pupils
Provide long-term, sustainable inclusion pathways within each school community

Our team supports setup, staffing, quality assurance, and impact monitoring—ensuring every hub matches the standard of our external provision while enhancing the capacity of the schools we partner with.

Elective Home Education (EHE):

We recognise that families who choose elective home education (EHE) often do so with a deep commitment to providing nurturing, interest-led and child-centred learning environments. Drawing from leading home education forums and communities, we understand that flexibility, learner autonomy, and meaningful social connections are key priorities for EHE families.

Our EHE offer blends the strengths of home education with the best of alternative provision:

Flexible, part-time schedules designed around family routines
Creative, vocational, and academic sessions that support and extend home-based learning
Access to one-to-one and small group sessions in safe, non-institutional settings
Opportunities for project-based learning and portfolio building
Support for personal development, resilience, and wellbeing
Enrichment in areas such as music, mechanics, podcasting, nature studies, and practical life skills
Safe, structured social experiences tailored to each learner’s pace and comfort

We embed curriculum links, where appropriate, while respecting individual learning journeys. Every session is informed by learner interests, family goals, and EHCPs where relevant. Our programme allows progress in practical or creative work to be mapped to English, maths, science, and wider skills—providing credible evidence of learning for reintegration, exam preparation, or future education. Parents and carers receive regular updates and are welcome to take an active role in shaping their child’s learning pathway. Whether families are seeking social interaction, creative challenge, or therapeutic support, our EHE programme offers a trusted, responsive, and flexible solution.

Affiliated Projects & Organisations

The ReConnect Programme is part of a wider network of affiliated companies. This collaborative ecosystem supports ReConnect in delivering high-impact, forward-thinking provision, drawing on expertise in media, research, and digital education. The group includes:

Instrumental UK www.instrumentaluk.com: Originally established as a creative arts and culture organisation, Instrumental UK evolved into a community action group who are 'Instigators of Positive Change'. They continue to utilise the power of music and the arts to be a voice for individuals and the community.

Suffolk Coast Records (www.suffolkcoastrecords.com): A production and promotional company equipped to record, release, and distribute high-quality video and audio media. It supports learner expression, creative outcomes, and youth-led projects.

VisiTeach (www.visiteach.online): A digital platform currently in development to curate and deliver the best visual and auditory educational content available online, helping visual learners access knowledge in accessible, categorised formats.

The Learning Gap: A consultancy focused on contemporary and historical peer-reviewed research, government guidance, and lived educational experience. It produces resources for UK teachers (including via TES), supports practice across the affiliate organisations, carries out research, and captures young people's voices.

Through this integrated structure with these affiliated companies, ReConnect benefits from a multidisciplinary perspective, cutting-edge content, and shared values centred on inclusion, impact, and learner empowerment.

As part of this network, we also produce the 'Wonderful World of Education' podcast - an ongoing series exploring:

Innovation in education
Mental health and neurodiversity
Creative expression and youth voice
Interviews with educators, learners, and thought leaders

The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and via the ReConnect website.

A Message from the Founder

From 25 years working across every UK educational sector—delivering inclusive activities in schools, teaching in secondary schools, PRUs, and SEMH settings—there came a point where I had learned enough to feel empowered to make a difference to young people's pathways. I developed a meaningful understanding during my time in education from the incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable educators I was fortunate to meet, the many experiences that shaped my understanding of human development, and the mountain of research I read on inclusion, engagement, developmental psychology, curriculum theory, and youth voice.

After several years of watching an increasing number of young people unable to cope with mainstream education—unable to develop their strengths, discover their interests, or follow their passions—I felt I had no choice but to act. This led to the creation of Instrumental UK, which originally used music and creativity to deliver therapeutic activities focused on supporting the wellbeing of young people.

In a short space of time, we realised that our ethos, delivery methods, and therapeutic approaches were more effective than we could have imagined. But we were unintentionally shoehorning people into music activities, when in fact many of them had far broader interests and passions. Coupled with our intention to support all stakeholders in a young person's life—knowing that this holistic method was the key to sustainable progress—we realised we had to evolve.

This evolution became The ReConnect Programme. We were drawn to the word 'ReConnect' for many reasons. We believe that passions are formed early in life and often lost through a child’s social and educational journey. Many young people we work with need to reconnect: with family, with peers, with trust, with empathy, with curiosity. The power of the word 'ReConnect' represents our belief that all young people, whatever their needs, have the capacity for greatness when given the right support, opportunities, relationships, and strategies to pursue what lights them up.

Today, we have fully established the dream provision we envisioned—and we are just getting started. Our sights are set on expanding our impact, and we are now working with national stakeholders to influence the future of inclusion in education. With rising numbers of young people unable to thrive in mainstream education, change is urgent and necessary—and we believe ReConnect can be part of the solution.

Chris Sodey

Director of The ReConnect Programme