At the Dare2Dream Foundation we offer post 16 alternative education provision for young people up to the age of 25 years with an EHC plan. The goal is to prepare them for their future pathways and transition planning for whatever comes next.
Our support is always bespoke to the needs of the individual and is delivered by a range of specialist SEND staff including tutors, wellbeing practitioners and specialist services.
Caitlin's Journey Towards Confidence, Independence and Engagement
Caitlin has been attending the provision for 1 year and 2 months and is currently working towards ASDAN Personal and Social Development (PSD), Personal Development Programme (PDP), Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, and SEMH-focused learning.
Prior to joining the provision, Caitlin experienced significant challenges within a mainstream school environment, including high levels of stress, low attendance, reduced engagement, and reluctance to attend school. Since joining the provision, Caitlin has benefited from a highly personalised approach that recognises her individual needs and supports her at a pace that feels safe and achievable.
Through consistent support from observant and nurturing practitioners, Caitlin has been able to gradually rebuild her confidence and engagement in learning. Support has included daily check-ins, providing a safe and trusted space to develop secure relationships, discussion-based learning, and tailored session activities that adapt to her emotional wellbeing and readiness to engage on any given day.
Over the past year, Caitlin has made positive progress in developing her confidence, self-awareness, and participation in learning. A key aspiration for Caitlin is to increase her independence, and her program has been carefully designed to support this goal through small, achievable steps from the comfort and security of her home environment. By building on her strengths and interests, Caitlin continues to work towards becoming more confident and independent in both her learning and personal development.
Spotlight on Sam: Working Towards a Career in Public Services
Sam is a dedicated Post-16 learner with a clear ambition to build a future in Public Services. He has been exploring college pathways and researching the qualifications required to progress onto his chosen course after leaving Dare2Dream.
Having successfully achieved his Functional Skills Maths Level 2 qualification with us last year, Sam is now focusing on achieving the same success in English. Through tailored support, he has been developing his writing, communication and confidence, with recent sessions focusing on punctuation, grammar, written structure and speaking and listening skills. Sam has shown excellent determination and has responded positively to feedback, continually striving to improve.
Alongside his studies, we are supporting Sam to explore college options, understand entry requirements and prepare for the next stage of his education. We are also working with him on employability skills, future career planning and identifying opportunities that will help him gain valuable workplace experience.
As well as academic progress, Sam has engaged positively in wellbeing-focused sessions, developing strategies to manage anxiety and build confidence in preparation for adulthood. His resilience, commitment and positive attitude continue to support his journey towards college, employment and a successful future in the Public Services sector.
Felix’s Second year of Dare2Dream Post 16 and thriving
As much as Dare2Dream hopes to facilitate pathways into further education, employment or greater social engagement within 1 year, we will sometimes continue working with learners beyond that time.
In such circumstances, the question is always whether the learner is continuing to make progress and move towards their goals. So much of this can be down to the approach of the learner, and in the case of Felix, Dare2Dream has the pleasure of working with a gem who is looking to grab independence with both hands.
Felix joined Post 16 in September 2025. He is currently working at English and Maths functional skills, but what he’s really focussing on is increasing his independence.
Through his contact with us, and with the encouragement of his family, he is looking at further education courses, learning to drive and financial independence. Our work with him tries to support him towards achieving his independence and expanding his knowledge/experience. Coupling this with his own determination to be independent, he’s making great progress.
Refer a young person for support
If you know a young person who would benefit from social, emotional and mental health support and a personalised curriculum in a supportive setting, get in touch.
We welcome referrals from local authorities, schools, healthcare providers and other professional support services.
We encourage you to contact us to discuss your needs before submitting a referral.
