Futures-Essex - A non school alternative provision

11/09/2026

Information sharing ⬇️

07/09/2026

Coming back into education after a break is a big change in routine, and that applies to young people, staff and parents/carers too.

New routines, early starts, busy days, increased demands and the general pace of life can take their toll. If we don’t give ourselves time to adjust, that change can quickly lead to overwhelm, exhaustion and burnout.

Sometimes we need to remember that settling back in takes time. Rest, boundaries, quiet moments and looking after ourselves are just as important as getting everything done.

Even Ember is feeling it! 🐾 After a summer at home, she’s back into her usual routine and is definitely a little more sleepy than normal.

Back to routine doesn’t have to mean back to full speed.

06/09/2026

Information sharing ⬇️

New Educational Psychology Helpline Appointments Available 📞

New September dates are now available for the Educational Psychology Helpline.

Need advice about your child or young person’s learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, or SEND needs? Speak to an Educational Psychologist for guidance and support.

Available dates 📅 :
• 7 September
• 15 September
• 21 September
• 29 September

Time: 1pm to 4.30pm 🕐

Appointments are limited, so book early to secure your slot 👇

06/09/2026

Information sharing ⬇️

Need help with a DLA form?
We still have spaces available on our online DLA clinic on Thursday 10th September 10am–12:30pm.
One of our Family Support Advisers will talk you through the form step by step, with clear guidance and time for your questions.
See our poster for full details and how to book!

04/09/2026

A huge congratulations to some of our amazing Artists!🎨

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate a fantastic achievement this week, with some of our young people successfully completing their Level 1 Arts Award!

This is a brilliant accomplishment and reflects not only their creativity and artistic talent, but also the commitment, perseverance and confidence they have developed along the way.

Working alongside Lou, our brilliant Art Educator, they have explored different creative techniques, developed their own ideas and created some truly wonderful pieces of work.

Below are just a few examples of the amazing work they have produced.

We couldn’t be prouder of them and hope this is just the beginning of their creative journey. We would love to see them continue to develop their skills and progress onto Level 2 Arts Award in the future.

Well done — you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves!

02/09/2026

A new term doesn’t have to start with a giant leap.

As September begins, we know that for some young people, the idea of going back to school can bring excitement. For others, it can bring worry, overwhelm, anxiety or a feeling that they’re simply not ready.

And that’s okay.

At Futures, we believe that small steps still count.

A softer start.
A familiar face.
A quiet space.
A first conversation.
One hour instead of a whole session.
Trying something new.
Walking through the door.
Showing up — even when it feels difficult.

Whether your young person is returning to school, starting somewhere new, continuing their home education journey, or simply trying to find their next step — remember that there is no one-size-fits-all route through education.

You don’t have to be ready for the whole journey. You just need to find the next step.

And if you’re a parent or carer quietly following our page because school has become difficult for your young person, know that you’re not alone. We’re here, sharing ideas, support and our approach along the way.

21/08/2026

Information sharing ⬇️

Looking for a place in education or training this September? 🎓

Do you know a young person aged 16 to 18 who left school in 2025 or 2026 and doesn’t yet have a place in education or training for September?

Our Employability and Skills team can help young people explore their options and find the right next step.

Support is available with:

• Finding courses or training
• Exploring job opportunities
• Building confidence and skills
• CV and letter writing

If you need support or would like to update your plans for September, get in touch:

0800 707 6384 📞

[email protected] 📧

Or visit the link in the comments 👇

21/08/2026

A little visitor at Futures today…

Whilst preparing the studio for our September return, we had a very special little visitor stop by!

Swallows nest in the surrounding buildings every year, and we’ve been privileged enough to watch their fledglings grow, take those first brave flights and eventually head off on their incredible migration.

As autumn approaches, swallows will make the incredible journey south, travelling thousands of miles to southern Africa, where they spend the winter before making their way back to us next spring.

This little one was clearly having a practice flight today

Good luck on your journey. Safe travels to Africa, and we’ll see you next year!

20/08/2026

💜 GCSE Results Day 💜

Wishing all of our young people and everyone receiving their GCSE results today the very best of luck.

Whatever is written on that piece of paper, remember: learning is not linear.

A number cannot show the hurdles you have overcome, the days you kept going when things felt impossible, the courage it took to try again, or the resilience you have built along the way.

For some young people, simply reaching results day represents an incredible journey.

Try not to compare your results with somebody else’s. You haven’t walked their journey, and they haven’t walked yours. We all start from different places, face different challenges and take different routes to get where we are going. Someone else’s result does not take anything away from what you have achieved.

Your results are a snapshot of one moment in time. They are not a measure of your worth, your potential, your creativity, your kindness, or everything you are capable of becoming.

Celebrate what you have achieved today whatever that looks like for you.

There are always different routes, different opportunities and different ways to succeed.

Good luck to everyone opening those envelopes today. Be proud of how far you have come.