Why We Founded uReach: A Personal Journey into Alternative Provision

The idea for uReach didn't start as a business plan—it started with a simple and powerful observation. We saw brilliant, creative, and deserving young people falling through the gaps in the education system. Children who, despite so much potential, were struggling in environments that weren’t equipped to meet their unique emotional and learning needs.

This wasn't just a business issue; it was a personal and professional calling.

A Shared Vision for a Brighter Future

My journey began with uSports, driven by a strong desire to provide children with positive experiences through sports. As the business grew, so did my passion for supporting young people, leading me to seek new avenues to make a broader impact. Through our work in schools, we recognised a significant and growing demand for high-quality Special Educational Needs (SEND) support and Alternative Provision. This clear need was the catalyst for establishing uReach. My vision is to expand the positive impact of the uGroup, ensuring more children receive the tailored support they need to thrive.

But a vision needs expertise to become a reality. That’s where Steph comes in.

With her rich background in special education, Steph brings invaluable experience to uReach. Before joining me as a director at uSports, she dedicated her career to supporting students with SEN, both as a teacher at Manor Green, a special school, and within the support unit of Edgbarrow, a mainstream secondary school. Her move into the inclusion sector with uReach was a natural progression, fueled by her deep understanding of and passion for supporting diverse learners. Steph’s practical, on-the-ground knowledge plays a crucial role in the operational and creative development of uReach, always with children's well-being at the forefront.

Bringing in Expert Leadership

To ensure we were building a truly exceptional service, we knew we had to bring in the best minds in alternative provision. We are incredibly proud to have partnered with two esteemed professionals in the field:

Mandy Wilton, our consultant advisor, is an esteemed figure in education with over 30 years of extensive experience. Her most recent role was Executive Headteacher of Cranbury College, a well-regarded Alternative Provision in Reading. Mandy now lends her considerable expertise to several trusts, providing invaluable consultancy around AP. Her deep knowledge and insights will be instrumental in shaping uReach's strategic direction and provision.

Jo Iremonger, our Director of Inclusion, is the lead professional at uReach, bringing over two decades of dedicated experience in education. She spent 12 years specialising in SEN and behaviour in primary education before transitioning to Foundry College, where she served for 10 years as the Inclusion Lead. Jo's enduring passion for special educational needs is evident in her commitment to uReach, where she now directs efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

With their combined strategic vision and operational excellence, we have built a team that is uniquely qualified to deliver on our promise.

Finding Our Home: The Search for the Right Space

Our vision for a safe, nurturing environment meant that finding the right physical space was just as important as building the right team. We began our search looking at a warehouse unit, but we were then directed towards a more homely space which we feel is essential to helping us to achieve our goals.

We’re incredibly grateful to Jamie Mills and Steve Hicks over at Hicks who were instrumental in helping us secure the perfect site. Their expertise helped us find a space that truly feels like a sanctuary—comfortable, visually appealing, and non-intimidating.

The fit-out has now begun, thanks to the hard work of Stuart at Ace Interiors, and we can’t wait to see our vision come to life. We are counting down the days until we can welcome children into the center.

Building a Safe Space for Learning

Every single element of uReach, from the building's layout to the colour of its walls, was designed with a single purpose: to create a safe space. We believe that a child can only begin to learn and grow when they feel completely secure, calm, and comfortable.

Our facility includes:

• A therapeutic sensory room for de-escalation and self-regulation, offering a quiet, secure haven when a student feels overwhelmed.

• A quiet calm room for focused work and individual time, designed to be a peaceful retreat from external stimuli.

• A dynamic activity zone for physical and creative expression, encouraging safe, energetic outlets.

• A focus zone for independent & small group work, providing a dedicated space for concentration and deep learning.

• A kitchen for developing essential life skills in a controlled, nurturing environment.

  
  

Each space is a tool, intentionally designed to support a child’s emotional regulation and focus, enabling them to engage with their learning in a way that truly works for them.

Our Educational Philosophy: The Power of Purpose-Driven Learning

At uReach, our philosophy is rooted in purpose-driven learning. This means we don’t just offer activities; we offer a tailored curriculum where every task is designed to meet a specific goal outlined in a child's EHCP.

For example, a cooking lesson isn't just about life skills; it's about following a sequence of instructions, managing anxiety, and building confidence in a practical setting. Our small group sizes allow us to focus on each child's individual needs, ensuring their time with us is meaningful and effective.

We are committed to being a stepping stone, not a destination. Our entire purpose is to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to successfully reintegrate and thrive in a mainstream environment. We partner closely with schools and parents to ensure a smooth transition and lasting success.

A Vision for the Future

We founded uReach to fill a gap in the education system—to create a place where children with complex needs don't just exist, but truly flourish. We believe that by working collaboratively with schools, parents, and local authorities, we can provide an education that changes a child’s trajectory for the better. This is more than a service; it's a commitment to unlocking the potential within every child who walks through our door, helping them find their voice, their confidence, and their place in the world.

To find out more about uReach or to submit a referral for a young person, please reach out to us online:

www.ureach-ap.co.uk

info@ureach-ap.co.uk