Our education programme aims to assess where each child is on their learning journey and support them to prepare successfully for their future. Children arrive at WW from a variety of backgrounds and with a wide range of educational needs.
Most of the children we support have experienced disruption to their education or have found previous educational settings challenging. Our priority is to understand each child’s individual learning needs, strengths, interests and aspirations so that we can develop a personalised programme of education that supports their progress and builds confidence.
Each programme is designed to re-engage children with learning and help prepare them for future education, employment or training. It also supports the child and the wider team to make informed decisions about the most appropriate next steps in their educational journey.
We believe every child has unique strengths, abilities and potential, and we celebrate their progress and achievements at every stage. For some children, the most appropriate pathway is to attend a local mainstream or specialist school or a further education college, and we work closely with education providers to support successful transitions where this best meets the child’s needs.
For children who benefit from a more individualised approach, we provide education through our home school model. Qualified tutors deliver a personalised programme of learning in the home, typically for around two hours a week, alongside additional off-site learning opportunities and educational provision. This flexible approach allows learning to be tailored to each child’s stage of development, helping them rebuild confidence, develop new skills and progress at a pace that is right for them.
Our team of tutors support each child on a one-to one basis, delivering a rigorous programme of assessment which identifies their strengths and areas for development.
This is used to create a bespoke programme of learning and skills acquisition for each child which focuses on functional skills and preparation for the future.
We are accredited by ASDAN, AQA and NCFE, enabling us to offer a range of qualifications based on the individual learning needs of our children and their wider interests and goals. Children are also able to undertake work experience in local businesses according to their passions and plans for the future.
Our skilled and dedicated education team includes a registered Educational Psychologist, qualified teachers, a Specialist Teacher for social, emotional and mental health, a Youth Offending Support Worker and Outdoor Activity Instructors.
We have significant sector experience and extensive knowledge of working with children with a range of learning needs, including children with ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and social and emotional issues.
Where appropriate, we seek advice from external professionals, including Speech and Language Therapists, Counsellors and other health professionals.
Our teams are trained in supporting children who have experienced trauma and insecure attachments, enabling us to deliver outstanding pastoral care and holistic education which is fully integrated into wider care planning for each child.
We passionately believe that education is not confined to the classroom, and we adopt a holistic approach which seeks to identify and utilise opportunities for learning in the daily life of the child.
Our ‘Wilderness Experiences’ programme of outdoor and adventurous activities allows us to explore relevant educational themes such as risk and self-image, whilst at the same time allowing the children to challenge themselves and learn new skills, and to experience the enjoyment and wellbeing that comes from exploring the world around us.
Many members of our care teams have also trained as instructors for outdoor activities, meaning that outdoor education is an integrated and highly-valued part of the child’s overall experience.
We offer a range of outdoor qualifications, including the John Muir Award, Paddle Power and the National Indoor Bouldering Award Scheme. Engagement in these qualifications is often the child’s first positive experience of studying towards an award, providing a solid foundation for future studies.
We also support our children to access relevant work experience and volunteering placements. These provide the child with skills for life as well as offering the opportunity to discover whether a particular pathway or career is suitable for them in the future.
By working together as a cohesive team across education, care and outdoor provision, we aim to not only re-engage children in education but to develop their pride and self-belief, which can have a profound and lasting impact on their lives.
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