SB Mentoring

16/10/2026

This term we got to welcome both new students and new staff, as well as many returning students.
Everyone got settled in really well and worked really hard to already achieve great things.
Have a look at what our students were up to:

It’s the first term back after the summer holidays and we’ve started off strong! This term we got to welcome both new students and new staff, as well as many returning students. Everyo…

14/10/2026

While the SBMentoring building is awesome, there's rarely a day where you will find all of us in it! Making use of the local nature, businesses and other opportunities has long become a core part of our timetable.

🌳 𝑶𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆
The nearby fields and Penn Hill are a great place for a relaxed walk to boost the students' mood and energy, photography to learn a new skill and appreciate the beauty of nature or learning outdoors!

💪𝑬𝒙𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒚𝒎
The local LPB Fitness Gym & Personal Training has been a great place for our students to work on their fitness, learn what makes a good gym workout and use up some excess energy in a comfortable and friendly environment.

🚌 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈
The local area provides great opportunities to learn about public transport, practice reading bus timetables and eventually try and catch a bus with support.

06/10/2026

This term students are using a variety of STEM skills to investigate the weather and understand climates around the world through curious exploration and hands-on activities!

🧪 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒕
Understanding and exploring the world around us is important. Why does the weather change? What is the difference between climate and weather? What is atmospheric pressure and how can it be measured? Any question that emerges is picked apart and explored scientifically.

🧠 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓
Curiosity has long been established as a major driver of motivation and learning. Discussions are being had about climate change, why the swifts fly low when it is about to rain and why mountain climbers sometimes have to wear oxygen masks.

✖𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈
Many young people feel nervous about getting answers wrong. However, for science, getting it wrong is incredibly important! Through experimentation and exploration students learn the value of finding out what doesn't work and most importantly, that getting it wrong isn't the end of the line, it's only the beginning!
How can we improve the design? How can we be more accurate? That didn't work, what can we change?

30/09/2026

Halloween is looming, so our 3d printer has been printing away generating some fun items. If you would like to support our provision and purchase some Halloween bits do get in contact.
Haunted house - £20 (supplied with candle)
Reading ghost - £3.50 or two for £6.00 (supplied with candle)
Dangle Pumpkin - £2.50
Fidget pumpkin - £4.00
Candle stick - £9.00 each or 2 for £15.00

Collection from Calne or Rowde

29/09/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭?

SB Mentoring is a setting that uses the Thrive Approach throughout everything we do. But what actually is it?

🌈𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
At the heart of the Thrive approach is the idea that behaviour is communication. When a child struggles in education, this tells us that they need something. This could be a quieter environment, a coping strategy, the right words to express what they are feeling or a multitude of other big and small things.

🌈 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆-𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅
The Thrive approach is rooted in a large amount of well-established developmental psychology research and stays up to date with recent developments.

🌈𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔
Building trust and positive and productive relationships is key to the Thrive approach, especially in our setting! Our Thrive tools help us build trust, improve resilience and help our learners feel seen and safe while they are with us.

Thrive Approach

25/09/2026

It is that time of year again, when all sorts of creepy crawlies make their way into our homes. Many people don't like spiders or are afraid of them, but one student took it upon himself to choose kindness and make a lucky spider feel right at home.

He used a variety of DT skills to create a wonderful enclosure for a lucky little spider!

🕷 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒓-𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓
Using the laser cutter and carefully selecting the right materials, he created a clear box that would allow for optimal observation, complete with engraved name!

🕷 𝟑𝑫-𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔
He spent plenty of time researching Halloween-themed models, scaling them to fit his vision and then printing and arranging them!..he's already planning the Christmas decorations!

🕷𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓-𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔
To keep the future inhabitant healthy and happy he selected natural materials to fill the bottom of the box with. He is currently planning a small pond for easy water access and has been considering food options, too!

23/09/2026

Making music isn't just fun, it's really good for our brains too!
This term we are able to include music in our curriculum. Through exercises linking emotion, experience and music as well as through DJing lessons with the lovely Fran House our students are able to explore music in new and exciting ways!

🧠😄 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫
Listening to music we enjoy and making music we like makes us feel good and energised. Additionally it lowers cortisol levels, reducing our stress in the process!

🧠💭 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲
While listening to music can be beneficial, making music is even better for our brains! Learning an instrument has a positive impact on our memory (not just for music!) and strengthens brain regions involved in forming and recalling all sorts of memories!

🧠💡 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝
Many aspects of both listening to and making music improve our focus, sharpen our senses, help us relax, boost our mood and energy and overall put us in a great head space to learn!

18/09/2026

SB Mentoring@thebarn

ADHD: Recognising the Talent Behind the Diagnosis

Young people with ADHD can bring an incredible range of strengths to the workplace. With the right career path, supportive employer and opportunities to learn practically, they can become creative, committed and highly valued employees.

ADHD is often discussed in terms of difficulties with concentration, organisation or impulsivity. Although these challenges can be real, focusing only on them can mean overlooking the unique abilities that many young adults with ADHD have to offer.

Creativity and artistic talent

Many young people with ADHD are imaginative thinkers who see ideas, patterns and possibilities that others may miss. Their creativity can be a real advantage in careers involving art, design, photography, digital technology, music, media, catering, construction and other practical industries.

Artistic learners may have a natural ability to experiment with colours, materials, textures and visual ideas. They can approach a project from a fresh perspective and often produce work that is original, expressive and full of personality.

When they are interested and motivated, some people with ADHD can become deeply absorbed in a task. This focus can support excellent attention to detail, particularly in creative or practical work that feels purposeful to them. Whether they are refining a design, capturing the perfect photograph, completing a brickwork pattern, preparing and presenting food or assembling computer components, their commitment to getting the details right can be a significant workplace strength.

Practical learning that builds confidence

Traditional classroom learning does not always allow young people with ADHD to demonstrate what they can do. Practical and vocational education can provide a different route to success.

Hands-on learning gives students the opportunity to develop skills through doing, creating, problem-solving and seeing the results of their work. It can make English and Maths more meaningful by applying them to real situations, such as measuring materials, calculating costs, following instructions, reading technical information and documenting completed work.

Success in practical learning can help young adults recognise their own abilities, develop confidence and begin to see themselves as capable future employees.

Apprenticeships as a pathway into employment

Apprenticeships can provide an excellent progression route for young adults with ADHD. They combine practical workplace experience with structured training, allowing apprentices to gain recognised qualifications while developing the skills required for their chosen careers.

The structure of an apprenticeship can help young people understand professional expectations, establish routines and learn from experienced colleagues. It also gives employers the opportunity to recognise an apprentice’s strengths and support them as they grow into the role.

Support does not need to be complicated. Clear instructions, visual reminders, regular check-ins, predictable routines, manageable deadlines and opportunities for practical learning can make a significant difference. Breaking larger tasks into smaller stages and providing constructive feedback can also help an apprentice remain focused and feel successful.

Every person with ADHD is different, so support should always be discussed with the individual rather than based on assumptions about the diagnosis.

Looking beyond the label

Young adults with ADHD should not be defined by the areas they find difficult. They may be creative thinkers, enthusiastic problem-solvers and energetic team members who bring fresh ideas to a workplace. They can demonstrate resilience, determination and an exceptional commitment to subjects that inspire them.

Employers who look beyond the label and recognise these qualities can gain talented employees with enormous potential. By offering understanding, flexibility and meaningful opportunities, workplaces can help young adults with ADHD turn their interests and abilities into successful, lasting careers.

At SB Mentoring, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, gain practical experience and progress towards a future that feels right for them. Through vocational qualifications, Functional Skills, work experience and preparation for apprenticeships, young adults can develop the confidence and skills needed to take their next step.

With the right support and the right opportunity, ADHD does not have to be a barrier to employment. It can be part of a different way of thinking—one filled with creativity, talent and potential.

If you are a business owner and would like to know more about what we do and potential partnership/apprenticeship opportunities to support our students with their future career pathways please get in touch. We would love to show you around and share all their accomplishments and talents. E: [email protected]

18/09/2026

🌟 A fantastic start at SB Mentoring ! 🌟

Our students have begun their Open Awards Level 2 courses in Bricklaying, Catering and Creative Arts for Industry—and what a brilliant first few weeks it has been!

Students have been getting stuck into practical, hands-on learning, developing valuable skills, building their confidence and working towards qualifications that will support their future careers and opportunities.

🍽️ In Catering, students have been developing essential industry skills, including food preparation, safe working practices, kitchen hygiene and the correct use of equipment. They have shown fantastic engagement and are growing in confidence as they put their learning into practice.

One student completing their Catering qualification has also started a work experience placement with The Rowdey Cow We are incredibly grateful to the team for providing this valuable opportunity to experience a real working environment and develop skills that will support future employment.

🧱 In bricklaying In Bricklaying, they worked incredibly hard to build an English bond wall—and they absolutely smashed it!
Their focus, determination and enthusiasm were fantastic, and they were so engaged in the practical work that they did not want to stop. They successfully completed four courses of brickwork to a very good standard, demonstrating growing confidence, accuracy and skill throughout the task.

🎨 In Creative Arts for Industry, students began by exploring the available modules and making decisions about the areas they would like to develop throughout their course.

They then visited the Wiltshire Scrapstore & Resource Centre to search for interesting materials and resources to inspire their projects. The trip encouraged students to think creatively, consider how everyday or recycled items could be transformed and begin planning how their chosen materials might be used in their work.

It was a fantastic way to start the course, combining independent decision-making, creative thinking and project planning. We are excited to see their ideas come to life! 🧡💚

💻 In Digital Technology, students completed the build of a PC and began recording evidence of their work for the course. Carefully installed the remaining components, including the SSD and DVD drive, before connecting the associated power and data cables.

Throughout the build, they considered the correct position and orientation of each component and developed his understanding of how the different parts work together to create a complete computer system. With the physical build completed, students began documenting the process. produced written descriptions of the tasks they had carried out and supported these with photographic evidence, creating a clear record of there practical skills, knowledge and understanding.

📚 Functional Skills English and Maths are embedded throughout our vocational subjects, helping students understand how these essential skills are used in real-life and workplace situations.

From measuring accurately and calculating quantities in Bricklaying, to following recipes and working with weights, timings and costs in Catering, Maths becomes meaningful and practical. English skills are strengthened through reading instructions, learning technical vocabulary, communicating with others and producing written evidence of completed work.

By wrapping English and Maths around subjects that interest and motivate our students, we help them develop the skills, confidence and independence they will need for future learning, employment and everyday life.

It has been a busy and exciting start, filled with hands-on learning, new challenges and plenty of achievements. We are incredibly proud of how positively our students have engaged and cannot wait to see what they accomplish throughout the year! 🧡💚

– Future Skills by SB Mentoring
Where potential becomes purpose.

18/09/2026

🌟 What a brilliant first two weeks back at SB Mentoring! 🌟

We are incredibly proud of how well our students have settled back in. They have shown fantastic enthusiasm, engagement and a real willingness to get involved.

🎧 Our DJ sessions with Fran House have been a huge success, giving students the opportunity to explore music, learn new skills and express their creativity.

🍽️ Life skills have been an important focus. In cooking, students explored healthier options and made delicious oatcakes. They enjoyed getting hands-on in the kitchen while developing their confidence, independence and practical skills.

🚌 Travel training has also been a great hit, with students engaging positively and building the knowledge and confidence needed to travel more independently.

💬 During PSHE, students explored the topic of alcohol, including its effects, risks and the influence it can have on people’s choices. They shared their viewpoints, listened respectfully to others and took part in some thoughtful and mature discussions.

🌦️ We kicked off our new STEM topic about weather with a fun and slightly silly project! To demonstrate how weather affects the world around us, they created a “Friesian Weather Station”—a rock hanging from a string, accompanied by a humorous guide for assessing the weather based on the condition of the rock! During the project, we also practised tying regular knots and using square lashing to secure everything together. A brilliant combination of science, creativity and practical skills!

💻 In Creative Technology, exciting new projects are already underway, and we cannot wait to see the students’ ideas develop over the coming weeks!

📸 Our photography students have begun a new project based on the brief “Nature’s Architecture.” Their challenge is to create a series of photographs capturing geometric shapes and patterns found in the natural world capturing their first series of photographs featuring patterns and shapes found in nature—with a few bugs and bees providing a welcome distraction along the way! 🐝🌿

What a fantastic start to the new term. Well done to all our students! 🧡💚