Expanding Horizons

As part of our wider Coaching Programme, the Expanding Horizons Programme is designed to build trust, deepen relationships, and open up new opportunities for growth, both personal and academic, for the young people we support.

Through carefully planned activities, trips, and enrichment experiences, our Coaches strengthen connections with young people and their families, fostering confidence, resilience, and a wider sense of possibility. Along the way, pupils develop vital life skills including teamwork, independence, and critical thinking, while also boosting their physical and mental wellbeing.

These experiences directly support our broader aims at ReconnectEd:

  • Improved self-regulation and wellbeing among pupils

  • Reduced exclusions and increased school attendance

  • Stronger engagement between families and schools

  • A ripple effect of positivity across home and school communities

What we’ve delivered so far

Crafts Re-Engagement Project

Thanks to The Radcliffe Trust funding, we ran a 3-month programme of arts and crafts workshops, led by an Artist in Residence and supported by our Coaches. Sixteen young people took part in hands-on sessions where they explored techniques such as fabric painting, block printing, hand embroidery, and weaving.

As their confidence grew week by week, students began to discover new abilities and creative strengths, feeling more comfortable, engaged, and proud of their achievements.

“Each week was different, and the students were gently guided through new techniques. It was amazing to see them learning new skills and expressing themselves. We feel so lucky to have had this opportunity.”
 — ReconnectEd Coach

“To begin with, some said they couldn’t draw or sew, but every single one gave it a go. They became more confident, more focused, and really proud of what they created. It’s been brilliant.”
 — Artist in Residence

Forest School Leader Training

Investing in our team

Thanks to The Jesuit Fund for Social Justice, we were able to support one of our Coaches to complete accredited training to become a Level 3 Forest School Leader. This equips him to lead sessions that support play, learning, and holistic development in outdoor settings.

Not only does this enrich our programme offering, it also supports the professional growth of our staff and reduces the need to bring in external facilitators in the future.

Beyond the 4 Walls Transition Programme

In partnership with Beyond the 4 Walls

This summer, we partnered with Beyond the 4 Walls to deliver a 10-week outdoor transition programme for Year 6 pupils at Mansel School, preparing them for their move to Yewlands Academy.

Each week brought new adventures including bike riding, forest skills, hikes in the Peak District, and quiet moments in hammocks. Pupils were joined by Year 7 staff from Yewlands Academy, helping to build relationships and smooth the path to secondary school.

For many, the programme was full of “firsts”—from spotting wildlife to riding a bike down a hill for the first time. The personal growth was remarkable, with some pupils described as “completely different” by the end of the journey.

Looking ahead

We’re continuing to fundraise for the next phase of the Expanding Horizons Programme and have already secured funding to develop brand-new projects tailored to the needs of our September 2026 cohort.

If you’re interested in supporting or learning more about Expanding Horizons, we’d love to hear from you.