How alternative education helped one young person re-engage with learning

Every young person’s journey through education is different. For some learners, mainstream school is unable to meet their individual needs, particularly when anxiety, SEND or other additional needs make attending difficult.

This case study shows how personalised alternative provision helped one young person rebuild confidence, re-engage with education and prepare for the future.

Why Mainstream Education wasn’t the right fit

When this learner first joined Navigators, her family had spent years trying to find an educational setting that could meet her needs. After finding mainstream education was no longer meeting those needs, her anxiety had increased and attending school had become increasingly difficult.

Her parents say on reflection that they believed that encouraging attendance at all costs would help the learner in the long term. Instead, they found that it heightened her anxiety and made it harder for her to engage with learning.

The family’s experience with Navigators was different from mainstream school from the outset. Rather than focusing immediately on attendance or academic progress, the team took the time to understand their daughter, her interests and the support she needed.

One conversation has stayed with the family ever since. A member of staff explained that education would move at the learner’s pace because:

“Before a child can engage in education, they first need to feel safe, understood and valued. To support a child effectively, you must first get to know the child.”

Reflecting on that moment, her parents said:

“This simple but powerful philosophy was unlike anything we had experienced before, and for the first time, we felt that someone truly understood what Libby needed.”

How personalised alternative education built confidence

Over time, the learner began taking part in a wide range of activities designed to build confidence, independence and practical skills.

Alongside her academic studies, she explored opportunities including animal care, cooking, shopping, hairdressing and Lego therapy. These experiences helped her develop everyday life skills while gradually increasing her confidence in new situations.

Throughout her journey, she worked closely with a dedicated mentor who maintained regular communication with both the learner and her family, ensuring they felt informed, supported and involved.

Returning to education and achieving seven GCSEs

After attending only a short period of mainstream secondary school, the majority of her education took place through Navigators.

Her parents say there was a time when they couldn’t imagine she would return to education in a meaningful way. She has recently sat seven GCSEs alongside a range of additional qualifications and has developed the confidence to pursue her next steps.

Just as importantly, she has grown in independence, resilience and self-belief.

Preparing for adulthood and future employment

Through work experience opportunities arranged by Navigators, the learner discovered a passion for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

She now hopes to build a career working with children with additional needs, helping them access the understanding and support that can make such a difference to their education.

Reflecting on their daughter’s journey, her parents said:

“Navigators gave our daughter the time, support and encouragement she needed to believe in herself again. We’ve seen her grow in confidence and achieve qualifications we once thought might be out of reach and develop clear ambitions for her future.

“For us, Navigators have been about much more than education. It has helped our daughter reconnect with learning, discover what she’s capable of and look ahead with confidence.”

If yours and your child’s experience reflects this family’s journey, alternative education could provide the personalised support your child needs to rebuild confidence and re-engage with learning. If you’d like to know more about Navigators, our team is here to help. Contact us at hello@navigators.org.uk to find out more.