Roots Alternative Education CIC

We are a small, welcoming education setting based in Spennymoor, County Durham, providing support for children and young people who are currently not accessing mainstream education for a variety of reasons.

We believe that education should be meaningful, engaging and relevant to everyday life. Our sessions are designed to help children develop confidence, independence and practical life skills, while also supporting their academic and personal development. We offer short, focused sessions in small groups, creating a calm and supportive environment where children can learn at their own pace. One-to-one sessions can also be arranged where additional individual support is required. Our approach is child-centred, with activities tailored to individual interests, abilities and needs.

A key part of our provision is developing the practical skills children will need as they grow. We have a fully equipped residential-style kitchen, providing children with the opportunity to learn how to prepare simple, nutritious meals, follow recipes, use kitchen equipment safely and take responsibility for cleaning and tidying up afterwards. These are valuable skills that children can transfer directly into their home lives, helping to build independence and confidence.

Our dedicated classroom space provides opportunities to develop Maths and English skills, alongside a range of creative and practical activities. We aim to make learning enjoyable and purposeful, giving children opportunities to demonstrate what they know while developing new skills in a relaxed and supportive setting.

We use the AQA Awards scheme to recognise and celebrate children's achievements. Working towards smaller units allows children to experience a sense of achievement throughout their learning journey, with certificates awarded for each completed unit. We believe that celebrating these smaller milestones can have a significant impact on confidence, motivation and self-esteem.

Each child has their own project book, providing a lasting record of their learning and achievements. These books may include creative work, photographs of children completing activities and short written reflections from the children themselves. This allows children to see how far they have come, while providing a valuable record of the skills and experiences they have developed.

Our aim is to create an environment where children feel safe, valued, supported and successful. By combining academic learning with practical life skills, creativity and recognised achievements, we help children develop the confidence and independence they need both inside and outside the classroom.

Any further information: Jasmine, our Executive Director, is a fully qualified teacher with more than 15 years of experience working with children both within and beyond the school environment.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has developed a wealth of experience teaching and supporting children with a wide range of needs, abilities and circumstances. In recent years, she has become increasingly aware of the challenges that some children and families face within the mainstream education system.

This inspired Jasmine to establish Roots Alternative Education CIC, with the aim of creating a supportive, nurturing environment where children can learn, grow and develop in a way that works for them.

Jasmine firmly believes that every child deserves to be heard, supported, valued and encouraged. Her approach focuses not only on education, but also on developing the confidence, self-esteem, independence and life skills that children need to thrive.

At the heart of everything Jasmine does is a simple belief: every child has potential, and with the right support, encouragement and opportunities, they can become the very best version of themselves.