prospectus

a snapshot overview

ReConnect is a pioneering model of additional and alternative provision for young people aged 11–25. We deliver fully bespoke, one-to-one and small group education programmes built around our Five-Strand Holistic Model: creative, academic, vocational, therapeutic, and physical.

Every pathway is individually designed in partnership with the young person, their family, and professionals. Whether re-engaging a learner in education, preparing for GCSEs or Functional Skills, exploring vocational careers, or building emotional resilience and wellbeing, ReConnect creates meaningful, measurable, and high-impact journeys.

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.

General Referrals & Accreditation

ReConnect is listed on the Approved Providers List for Local Authorities and meets all necessary standards for safeguarding, insurances, policies, and operational procedures. Our provision is regularly quality assured and complies with all relevant council frameworks.

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, trackable interventions.

Referral Process:

Referrals can be made via our website at www.reconnect1-1.com/referral-form
Supporting documents should be sent to admin@reconnect1-1.com marked FAO: Referral Supporting Documents
If required, we will request further information or arrange a meeting or visit within 3 working days
A Provider Offer will be issued within 7 days of the referral
Once approved by relevant panels, the bespoke provision plan is shared and placement can begin within 14 days

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

Our Mission

At ReConnect, we are redefining what inclusive education can look like through our unique model of additional and alternative provision. We deliver bespoke, holistic programmes for young people aged 11–25, working in close collaboration with families, schools, local authorities, employers, and health professionals to design provision that is meaningful, relevant, and impactful.

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.

Our Team

Qualified teachers and SEN professionals
Researching practitioners
Youth workers and mentors
Industry-trained practitioners
Therapeutic coaches and trauma-informed specialists

Every member of staff is DBS-checked and receives regular training in safeguarding, neurodiversity, trauma, and inclusive practice.

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.

Peer reviewed empirical research that has informed the creation of The ReConnect Programme includes:

Alexander’s Dialogic Teaching: Emphasises structured dialogue in the classroom, promoting critical thinking, social interaction, and reflective engagement. This directly informs our one-to-one and small-group delivery model.
Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): Guides our scaffolded approach, where facilitators support learners just beyond their current ability to encourage confidence and independence.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Frames our foundational commitment to emotional safety, belonging, and self-actualisation through individualised and relational learning environments.
Holistic Education: Studies show that combining academic, vocational, and wellbeing-based learning leads to stronger engagement and better long-term outcomes (Duckworth & Seligman, 2005; Gutman & Schoon, 2013).
Project-Based and Experiential Learning: Learners retain more when tasks are hands-on and purpose-driven (Barron & Darling-Hammond, 2008).
Mentorship and Trusted Relationships: Effective mentoring is associated with increased motivation, school re-engagement, and emotional regulation (Rhodes, 2002).
Therapeutic Approaches in Education: Trauma-informed practices and SEMH interventions can reduce behavioural issues and increase participation (Overstreet & Chafouleas, 2016).
The Role of Play and Creativity: Drawing inspiration from the work of Sir Ken Robinson, we embrace the importance of creativity, curiosity, and play in learning. Robinson argued that education must nurture divergent thinking and personalised learning pathways to unlock young people's true potential. His vision has directly informed our flexible, interest-led planning and emphasis on learner voice and engagement through play, exploration, and self-expression.

These findings directly shape our five-strand holistic model and our use of crossover grading to bridge practical and academic achievements.

Our Five-Strand Holistic Model

At the heart of our approach is our unique Five-Strand Holistic Model - designed to support the development of the whole person. Each strand addresses a key area of growth and learning, preparing young people for diverse pathways and lifelong success.

Creative: Music, Media, Art, Fashion, and Performance unlock self-expression, confidence, and identity, nurturing imagination and innovation that translate into both personal fulfilment and creative industries.
Therapeutic: Mentoring, SEMH support, exploratory activities and nature-based learning build emotional literacy, resilience, and self-regulation, forming the foundation for sustained well-being.
Physical: Martial arts, fitness, jump biking, and other active pursuits develop physical health, coordination, and goal-setting - essential for both self-esteem and life readiness.
Academic: Core subjects, Functional Skills, and GCSE preparation strengthen knowledge, communication, and problem-solving building blocks for qualifications and critical thinking.
Vocational: Hands-on learning in construction, beauty, mechanics, gardening, and enterprise prepares young people for employment, entrepreneurship, and independence.

Each strand contributes to whole-person development and supports multiple future pathways, from higher education to skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

All learning strands are linked through the AQA Unit Award Scheme and our unique Crossover Grading Framework—a pioneering method we've developed to track and celebrate the acquisition of curriculum content, practical industry skills, and subject terminology across sessions.

We embed the same learning themes across all activities by carefully pre-planning delivery, resources, and assessment methods using young people's Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). This ensures consistent learning experiences that are both personalised and purpose-driven—capturing academic growth through diverse, engaging contexts.

Community Partnerships: Local Strength, Shared Values

Our model is built on the foundation of strong, trusted partnerships with local organisations, professionals, and facilities who share our values and commitment to young people. These partnerships provide learners with access to high-quality environments and specialist expertise across a wide range of disciplines.

Rather than spreading provision thinly across large regions, we focus on creating closely-knit communities of tutors, coaches, and mentors ensuring the highest standards of delivery without compromising individual needs.

As we expand across East Anglia, we are replicating this model one area at a time - preserving the integrity and impact of our provision while building provisions built on connections and support from the entire community.

By developing meaningful community roots in each new location and replicating our proven model with trusted collaborators, we ensure that every ReConnect Programme provision delivers the same high standard of care, creativity, and impact.

Pathways and Progression

We provide comprehensive, targeted support for post-16 learners to bridge the gap between education and employment. This programme is also available to learners aged 11–16, and specific groupings, timetables, and safeguarding protocols in place to ensure that all young people are supported appropriately and safely.

Key Features

Practical Vocational Learning in Construction, Catering & Hospitality, and Hair & Beauty
Mapped Curriculum: All activities align with Key Stage 3 and 4 English, Maths, Science and Functional Skills
Crossover Grading Platform generating assessment evidence for reintegration or onward progression
AQA Unit Award Scheme embedded across modules
Industry Insight: Modules designed to fill current skills gaps
Internal Quality Assurance for consistent standards
Interchangeable Places under annual contracts
Shuttle Service Available from schools and colleges
Lunch and PPE Provided
Tailored Support through group and 1:1 delivery
Online Portfolio to celebrate and track progress

Programme Modules

Each module includes embedded English and Maths skills and is mapped to national curriculum and Functional Skills standards:

AQA Health and Safety in Construction (Level 1) – RIDDOR, Risk Assessment, and safety protocols
AQA Bricklaying – Construct a pyramid, return corner, and T-junction wall
AQA Developing Carpentry Skills (Level 1) – Joinery principles and first/second fix carpentry
AQA Introduction to Tiling – Surface prep, cutting, layout, and finishing
AQA Basic Plumbing Skills – Install sinks, baths, and perform live water testing
AQA Introduction to Plastering – Wall preparation and full surface plastering
AQA Food Development: Hospitality & Catering – Plan and prepare meals; evaluate through consumer feedback
AQA Basic Hair & Beauty – Hairdressing, skincare, and beauty basics delivered with real model assessments

Modules are differentiated and adaptable to learners' interests and needs. Additional modules may be added based on demand and AQA availability.

Coordinator Profile

Sidney Hammond – Vocational Coordinator
A qualified vocational teacher with 15+ years of experience, including work as a Regional Quality Manager overseeing Ofsted inspections across over ten UK prisons. Sidney brings industry credibility, leadership in curriculum design, and a passion for creating life-changing vocational experiences.

Quality and Assessment

Assessment Bays built to AQA Unit Award Scheme specifications
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) by experienced professionals
Mapped Progression Pathways back to mainstream education, post-16, apprenticeships, and work

Cost & Booking

£130 per student per day
1-Year Contract with Interchangeable Placements (min. 1 day per week per student)
Shuttle transport, PPE, and lunch included

Application Process

There are limited places on the ReConnect VL Programme so please apply early to avoid disappointment. If you are unsuccessful getting the required number of places on the programme we have a waiting list and you will be notified as soon as places become available.

To apply:

Complete the application form at www.reconnect1-1.com/vocational-programme
Download the contract and sign it ready for when we contact you to make further and final arrangements and to request your signed VL Programme contract.

Vocational Work Placements & Apprenticeships

ReConnect works actively to create opportunities for learners to explore real-world employment through structured work placements, sector-specific tasters, and apprenticeship pathways. We engage with local and national employers to:

Facilitate meaningful placements across multiple industries
Provide on-the-job training and mentoring
Support applications for apprenticeships and traineeships
Offer shadowing and insight days aligned with learner interests
Help young people understand workplace expectations and standards

These partnerships bridge the gap between learning and working life, enabling young people to explore future possibilities while developing employability and confidence.

Employability Pathways

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

Communication and teamworking exercises
Time management, self-organisation, and resilience-building
CV writing, interview preparation, and career exploration
Real-world contexts linked to vocational training
Reflective reviews and personal development planning

Young people are supported to recognise their own strengths, develop workplace behaviours, and explore career pathways relevant to their interests.

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.

We provide comprehensive, targeted support for post-16 learners to bridge the gap between education and employment. This programme is also available to learners aged 11–16, with specific groupings, timetables, and safeguarding protocols in place to ensure that all young people are supported appropriately and safely.

In-School Intervention Support

ReConnect offers a fully adaptable in-school version of our five-strand holistic provision, 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 one of our core strands: creative, therapeutic, academic, vocational (including hair and beauty), and physical development.

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 disruptive 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.

Pathways for 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 crossover grading system 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.

To discuss joining our EHE community, please contact us to arrange a bespoke consultation at admin@reconnect1-1.com

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.

Employability Pathways

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

Communication and teamworking exercises
Time management, self-organisation, and resilience-building
CV writing, interview preparation, and career exploration
Real-world contexts linked to vocational training
Reflective reviews and personal development planning

Young people are supported to recognise their own strengths, develop workplace behaviours, and explore career pathways relevant to their interests.

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.

Impact Measurement & Outcomes Tracking

We are committed to robust progress tracking and transparent outcome measurement. Every learner’s journey is guided by a clear plan aligned with EHCP targets, Independent Learning Plans (ILPs), and personal aspirations. Our approach includes:

Baseline assessments and regular reviews
Crossover grading across curriculum and industry learning
Individual progress reports incorporating academic, emotional, and behavioural indicators
Reintegration readiness and future planning metrics

This framework ensures provision is always responsive, measurable, and directed toward long-term success.

Staff Training & CPD

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

Trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice
Inclusive pedagogy and neurodiversity
Behaviour support and emotional regulation
Safeguarding, therapeutic approaches, and curriculum mapping

We also extend training to partner schools and community collaborators, ensuring consistency and shared understanding across every young person’s network.

Family Engagement & Support

Families play a vital role in our provision. We offer:

Transparent communication and termly reviews
Parent/carer updates and consultation points
Support workshops and informal drop-ins
Resources and advice for navigating the wider education system

We value carers’ voices and welcome collaborative planning to ensure each learner’s success.

Student Voice & Co-Creation

Young people are the co-authors of their learning at ReConnect. We involve learners in:

Curriculum design and topic selection
Project-based learning choices
Feedback and reflection activities
Designing personal learning spaces and approaches

This promotes autonomy, motivation, and a sense of ownership in their growth.

Crisis Support & Wellbeing Services

Our team includes therapeutic coaches and trauma-informed practitioners. We:

Provide SEMH support in every setting
De-escalate behaviour through safe relationships and environment
Work closely with families and professionals when additional support is needed
Help stabilise learners in moments of emotional crisis with dignity and care

Environmental Responsibility

At ReConnect, we believe that caring for the planet must go hand in hand with caring for young people. Our environmental commitment reflects our broader ethos of responsibility, sustainability, and innovation.

We actively minimise our environmental impact by:

Avoiding unnecessary printing and prioritising digital communication and resources
Using recycled and repurposed materials in practical sessions wherever feasible
Partnering with local organisations to reduce travel emissions and promote sustainable transport options
Integrating outdoor learning and nature-based activities into our therapeutic strand
Embedding environmental awareness and responsibility into our sessions and ethos

We aim to lead by example—creating learning environments where young people develop not only personally and academically, but also in their awareness of and care for the natural world around them.

HOW TO REFER

Simple referral process. We accept referrals from schools, PRUs, local authorities, social care teams, and directly from families.

Complete the referral form at https://www.reconnect1-1.com/referral-form
Send supporting documents to admin@reconnect1-1.com F.A.O. Referral Supporting Documents
If required, we will request further information or arrange a meeting/visit within 3 days.
We will send a Provider Offer within one week of the referral being made
Once agreed at panel, the bespoke provision plan will be shared and placement can begin

Contact Us

Email: admin@reconnect1-1.com
Phone: 07599 035520
Website: www.reconnect1-1.com
Instagram: @thereconnectprogramme

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