A Different Approach to Education
At Yew Tree Futures, we understand that some young people are unable to access traditional educational settings due to anxiety, autism, SEMH needs, emotionally based school avoidance, or previous negative experiences within education.
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Our Re-engagement Pathway provides a calm, therapeutic, and highly personalised environment where young people can begin to rebuild confidence, develop emotional safety, and reconnect with learning at a pace that feels manageable and achievable.
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We focus on relationships first, recognising that trust, wellbeing, and emotional regulation are essential foundations for future progress.
Who We Support
EHCP Students
Young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who require personalised, therapeutic, and specialist support to successfully access education, develop independence, and work towards meaningful long-term outcomes.
Anxiety & School Avoidance
Young people experiencing anxiety or emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) who need a calm, nurturing, and low-demand environment to gradually rebuild confidence, emotional safety, and engagement with learning.
SEMH Needs
Young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs who benefit from flexible approaches, strong relationships, therapeutic support, emotional regulation strategies, and practical learning opportunities within a highly supportive environment.
Autism & PDA
Autistic young people, including those with demand avoidant profiles, who may struggle within traditional educational environments and benefit from personalised approaches, reduced-pressure environments, sensory-aware practice, and relationship-based support.
Therapeutic & Relationship-Based LearningÂ
We bridge the gap between education and life skills through a diverse curriculum that meets young people where they are.
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We provide:
Small-group learning
Flexible timetables & gradual transitions
Therapeutic approaches
Practical and outdoor learning
Personalised Support
Low demand environments
Our aim is not simply attendance, but helping young people rediscover confidence, connection, and a sense of future direction.
Core Skills
Functional English & Maths
Students can access personalised English and maths support delivered through: - one-to-one teaching - small-group learning - practical real-world activities - embedded functional learning opportunities. Learning is overseen by a qualified and highly experienced secondary teacher with experience across both mainstream and specialist educational settings. Sessions are designed to build confidence, engagement, and meaningful everyday understanding rather than simply focusing on formal academic tasks. Where appropriate, we work closely with a young person’s main educational provision to ensure continuity between settings. This may include: - following the same curriculum progression - sharing learning content - reinforcing key concepts - supporting engagement with learning that can then transfer back into the student’s primary setting Our approach focuses heavily on helping students understand the real-world purpose and application of English and maths through practical and meaningful activities, helping learning feel relevant, achievable, and purposeful. Functional English and maths support can be included as part of a student’s programme where appropriate, but remains flexible depending on the arrangements already in place through the commissioning school, college, or local authority.
Practical & Vocational Learning
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Many young people engage more successfully through practical, active, and meaningful experiences. Our setting provides a wide range of opportunities for students to develop responsibility, confidence, employability skills, and practical knowledge through hands-on learning. Students may access: - animal care - horticulture - outdoor learning - enterprise activities - vocational tasters - supported work-related learning Animal Care Students have opportunities to take part in the daily care and management of a variety of farm animals, helping them develop responsibility, routine, teamwork, confidence, emotional regulation and practical skills. Activities may include: - feeding and caring for animals - cleaning and maintaining - enclosures - monitoring welfare - supporting with daily farm routines Working alongside animals can be highly therapeutic for many young people, helping to build trust, reduce anxiety, and create positive engagement with the environment around them. Horticulture & Outdoor Learning Students may also take part in practical horticulture and land-based activities across the farm environment, including: - planting and growing produce - maintaining outdoor spaces - seasonal projects - environmental and sustainability activities These activities help students develop patience, independence, practical problem-solving skills, and a sense of achievement through visible and meaningful outcomes. Enterprise Activities Students can access enterprise-based opportunities linked to the working farm environment, helping them build confidence, communication, and employability skills through practical real-world experiences. Activities may include: - selling eggs and produce - developing small enterprise projects - supporting the development of a farm shop or café - preparing products for sale - engaging with customers in supported situations These opportunities allow students to explore interests, develop workplace skills, and experience meaningful responsibility within a supportive environment. Vocational Tasters & Future Pathways Students may also access vocational tasters linked to the wider pathways available through Yew Tree College, helping them begin to explore future aspirations and potential progression routes. This allows young people to experience different vocational areas in a low-pressure and supportive way while developing confidence and identifying interests for future education, training, or employment pathways. Learning is designed to feel purposeful, engaging, and achievable, helping young people reconnect with education through meaningful and practical experiences.
Personal Development & Independence
Preparation for Adulthood
Preparation for adulthood is embedded throughout the programme and forms a central part of each young person’s individual pathway. Students are supported to develop: - emotional regulation - communication and social interaction - confidence and self-esteem - routines and organisation - life skills - travel training - community access - cooking and nutrition - money management - independence skills Our programmes are strongly influenced by the Wheel of Independence framework, which helps us assess starting points, identify areas for development, and monitor progress over time. We also work collaboratively with commissioning agencies, schools, and professionals to ensure that preparation for adulthood outcomes are consistent across all areas of a young person’s support package. Students follow a structured life skills programme and are encouraged to apply their learning throughout the setting in meaningful and practical ways. Daily social communication sessions provide opportunities for students to work alongside both peers and trusted adults to develop confidence, emotional understanding, teamwork, and positive social interaction within a safe and supportive environment.
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Learning forms part of the wider relational and therapeutic approach at Yew Tree Futures, providing young people with opportunities to develop confidence, communication, emotional awareness, and independence through structured work alongside horses. Sessions are overseen by Clinical Psychologist Dr Abie Alfrey, who works closely with staff to ensure that activities are delivered in a safe, supportive, and emotionally responsive way that complements each young person’s educational and developmental needs. The focus is on developing practical skills, emotional understanding, trust, confidence, and positive relationships through meaningful interaction with horses and the wider equine environment. Activities may include: - groundwork and horse care - leading and handling horses - stable management - teamwork and communication activities - confidence-building tasks - emotional regulation through structured equine interaction - responsibility and routine development For many young people, working alongside horses can provide a highly engaging and calming learning experience that supports: emotional regulation resilience and confidence communication skills relationship-building self-awareness independence and responsibility Equine Assisted Learning is integrated into the wider educational ethos of Yew Tree Futures, helping young people access learning, develop transferable life skills, and build positive experiences within a practical and supportive environment.
Therapeutic Education
Personalised Learning Programmes
Each young person follows an individualised programme based on their needs, EHCP outcomes, confidence levels, and future aspirations.
Building Confidence for the Future
The Re-engagement Pathway is designed as a transitional pathway, helping young people gradually move towards longer-term education, vocational learning, employment, and adulthood outcomes.
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As confidence and independence develop, students may progress towards:
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increased timetables
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vocational pathways
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work experience
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further education
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supported internships
Referrals & Transitions
We work closely with families, schools, local authorities, and professionals to create carefully planned and supportive transitions into the programme.
We welcome enquiries from families, schools, and local authorities. Every journey starts with a conversation about moving forward.
Downloadable Resources
Access helpful documents and essential forms for our students and families.