I’m really pleased to share that this year has been a huge success for the BCP Mentoring Team. We've delivered more mentoring hours to more young people than ever before, supporting them consistently across the area and seeing fantastic progress along the way. We’ve had successful group trips to college open days, apprenticeship workshops, and confidence-building sessions across Dorset. These experiences have played a key role in boosting young people’s independence and helping them take positive steps in their educational journeys. Some of our key highlights this year include: Supporting young people who were previously unable to leave their homes to now confidently attend sessions in the community Several young people securing placements at mainstream colleges A variety of emotional wellbeing and mental health support sessions, with visible impacts on confidence and resilience A powerful piece of feedback from one parent talking about an exchange with her daughter: "I have never felt

A Year of Growth, Achievement & New Opportunities at Innovate! Over the past academic year, our education team has grown stronger than ever, welcoming five new Youth Engagement Workers dedicated to supporting our incredible young people. We’ve had a record number of learners attending tutoring sessions, and we’re proudly celebrating those moving on to college placements this September at Bournemouth and Poole College and Kingston Maurward! The commitment, enthusiasm, and resilience of our learners has truly stood out. Alongside academic progress, our focus on a well-rounded experience has been just as important. Our learners proudly took part in Pancake Day races, the Scarecrow Competition, and the Macmillan Coffee Morning at the community centre, strengthening ties with the Wimborne community. We also welcomed visits from the NHS Sexual Health Team, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service, and the RNLI, ensuring our learners gained essential life skills and safety knowledge. Our enhanced PSHE

At Innovate Dorset, we believe that education should never be one-size-fits-all. Every young person has a unique story, a unique set of strengths, and a unique way of learning. For some, mainstream education works well. But for others, it can be a source of stress, anxiety, or disconnection. That’s where alternative education steps in; not as a last resort, but as a powerful, personalised path to success. What Is Alternative Education? Alternative education refers to learning approaches that differ from traditional school settings. It’s designed to meet the needs of students who may struggle in mainstream environments due to emotional, behavioural, social, or academic challenges. It’s also a space where creativity, flexibility, and individual growth are prioritised. At Innovate Dorset, our alternative education model includes: Small group mentoring to build confidence and trust Tailored tutoring that adapts to each learner’s pace and style Project-based learning that connects educatio