What we offer
Our Student & Family Support Service (SAFS) practitioners offer child-led and holistic support for 16 weeks, helping young people stay in mainstream education, either by reintegrating them back into school or by providing preventative support.
Unlike our other mentoring programmes, SAFS is a more intensive intervention. Practitioners provide a safe, judgement free space where young people can explore the barriers to their education and develop practical strategies to overcome them.
To access SAFS:
Parents or careers - please contact your school directly
Schools - please refer through the B&NES Behaviour & Attendance Panels by emailing Chloe Snook or calling 01225 395314
Positive outcomes
By offering both support and challenge, helping to set realistic goals around school attendance and engagement, and holding them accountable, we consistently see positive outcomes for students.
In 2024, we supported 119 students, with more than 70% improving wellbeing and 67% improving engagement with school.
Because we are neutral, trusted, and can give young people undivided attention and time, we often play an invaluable role for schools and agencies, opening up lines of communication, restoring connections between young people, families and schools, and helping young people feel heard and understood.
Case study - student
A young person was referred as a preventative case. At school, they were dysregulated and working below expected level and required 1:1 / 1:2 support. Due to complex challenges at home, they would often arrive late, in dirty clothes and without having eaten.
The young person responded positively to support from their practitioner, developing a behaviour plan and strategies for emotional regulation. After 16 weeks, there was a significant reduction in behavioural incidents, and the young person needed less support from trusted adults. The improvement in behaviour was reported by both the young person's mother and the school.
Who we can support
Students may be eligible for the service if they meet the following criteria:
- Students eligible for Fair Access support
- Students reintegrating into education.
Parents or careers keen to access the service for their child should contact their school directly.
Schools wishing to refer through the B&NES Behaviour and Attendance Panels should email Chloe Snook or call 01225 395314.
