Tailored, intensive support for children and young people who've been let down by the systems meant to help them.

STARTS

STARTS is for children and young people who struggle to engage with school or other services. Many have been excluded, or have stopped going. Many have high social, emotional and mental health needs, neurodiversity, or significant behavioural difficulties. Many have had adults give up on them, repeatedly.

We accept referrals from schools, local authorities, children's services, CAMHS, families and other partners across South East London.

How it works

STARTS is built around the child, not around a timetable. A high ratio of 2-3 skilled staff per child. Multiple sessions a week, over several months. Support delivered wherever it's needed - in school, at our venues, on trips, at home or in foster placements. Staff drawn from youth work, sports coaching, psychology and social work backgrounds.

Every young person follows the same three-stage journey, at their own pace: building trusted relationships and emotional regulation; developing communication, life and social skills; then positive progress back into education, training or employment. Progress is tracked against eight clear indicators and recorded in detail through C-POMS, with full reporting available to commissioners and referral partners.

The STARTS Theory of Change was co-designed with our staff, the young people themselves and external partners, and underpins everything we do.

Staff who don't give up

Ask anyone what makes STARTS different and the answer is the same. The staff don't give up. They turn up again and again, even for young people who won't come to the door.

Real outcomes

One young person went from 30% school attendance to 85%. Another, previously out of education entirely, is now sitting their GCSEs. The numbers reflect what consistent, intensive support can do.

What teachers tell us

"It was a success in getting him to the place where he can now be successful. He's a school boy again." A teacher's words on a young person who'd almost disengaged completely.

What young people say

"I'm not scared of that anymore." "Seeing new people made me worried. Now I feel joyful." The voices we work hardest to bring forward are the ones that matter most.
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