Why choose EmpowerEd?

At EmpowerEd, we focus on meaningful outcomes that support each young person’s long-term independence, wellbeing and self-confidence. Education is only one part of a young person’s journey; our aim is to help them build the skills, confidence and sense of self they need for adult life.

We are a small, highly experienced team with specialist knowledge of autism, learning disabilities and complex needs. We understand that many young people need much more than a standard learning programme. They need safety, trust, time, communication support, sensory understanding and adults who genuinely believe in their potential.

What sets EmpowerEd apart is our depth of experience across a wide range of specialist and mainstream settings, including working with young people whose needs are complex, individual and sometimes difficult to meet in larger environments. We create calm, nurturing and highly personalised learning experiences, shaped around each learner’s strengths, needs, interests and EHCP outcomes.

For some young people, progress may mean developing self-advocacy, making choices, sharing space with others, accessing the community, building communication skills or increasing independence in everyday life. These steps may look small to others, but they can make a significant difference to confidence, wellbeing and future opportunities.

We do not offer a one-size-fits-all approach. We listen carefully, work collaboratively with families and professionals, and adapt our support so that every young person has the best possible chance to feel safe, understood and able to thrive.

What is your admissions process?

See Admissions for more information.

How do I find out more?

To get started, simply email us or complete the contact form. We’ll then arrange a convenient time for a phone or Teams call to discuss EmpowerEd in more detail. If you’re still interested after our initial conversation, we’ll arrange a follow-up meeting in person.

Can you support children / young people with complex needs?

EmpowerEd can support a range of needs including learners who require higher levels of staffing, or a bespoke package. We would discuss this during the placement funding.

Do you work with schools?

At EmpowerEd, students usually attend on a part-time basis. For the hours they are not with us, many will continue to access their home school or college, or have plans in place to do so.

We work closely with each young person’s home school, sharing attendance information and liaising regularly to explore the barriers that led to their placement with EmpowerEd. Families and schools receive regular feedback to ensure consistent support.

When the time comes for a young person to return to their home school, or to transition to a new setting, we provide tailored support. This includes preparing the student for change and sharing relevant information to ensure a smooth and successful move.

Who is EmpowerEd for?

EmpowerEd is for children and young people with autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs who may not be thriving in traditional school or college settings. We offer highly personalised, flexible support tailored to each learner’s needs.

How are placements funded?

Placements are typically funded by local authorities through EHCP or Social Care provision, but we also accept privately funded learners. Please contact us to discuss funding arrangements.

Do you offer clinical input?

We are happy to work with external clinicians such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Physiotherapists where this supports a young person’s needs.

At present, we do not employ our own in-house clinical team, but this is something we have planned for as we grow. In the meantime, we welcome collaboration with local services, independent professionals, and any clinicians already involved in the young person’s care.

How can we trust a brand new company?

Setting up our own provision is new, but we have substantial experience of setting up specialist provisions for a range of organisations. A number of these went on to become Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ or national award winning. We are proud of our professional reputations.

All staff at EmpowerEd have enhanced DBS, are highly trained and you will be provided with frequent communication and updates.

We are very excited about EmpowerEd and have many plans for the future!