A new opportunity for young people has launched in Spennymoor with the opening of Roots Alternative Education CIC, founded by Jasmine Calford, writes volunteer community reporter, Jessica Walker. Roots works with people aged 10-18 who may not be fully accessing mainstream education, aiming to improve self-esteem and confidence with a range of educational and practical life-skill sessions.
The idea of Roots came to Jasmine during her 15 years’ experience of working with children, where she was inspired by personal stories of mental health struggle and a lack of additional support for those with special educational needs.
Located at the top of Barnfield Road within the O’Hehir School of Irish Dance, Roots is equipped with two fully functioning kitchens, a classroom, and a breakout area, Jasmine having designed the area to maximise both learning and comfort.
The residential style kitchens are deliberate, to appear similar to that found in a standard household, so that children can take their skills home with them to use within their own family kitchen.
As well, the breakout room is set up to allow children a space to unwind away from the pressures of education, containing a range of board games, a television, and a space for them to talk with their peers.
Groups will be capped at eight students, with all young people attending together and then splitting off based on factors such as age and interests, allowing a more personalised approach to support. Activities can include topics such as finances and letter writing, which Jasmine hopes can help young people “learn to communicate their needs and wants”. The company uses the AQA Awards Scheme, formally recognising achievements through certificates, selected with the aim to help build self-confidence.
When asked what advice Jasmine would give parents and guardians considering alternative services such as Roots to support their children’s education, she asks that they remember that “mainstream education is not the be all and end all” and that “it works for some children, but equally it doesn’t work for others, and that is where we come in to support the children it doesn’t work for to build their confidence and reach their potential.”
You can find Roots Alternative Education CIC on both Facebook and Instagram, or likewise contact them at 07492 024268 if you are interested in organising a visit or would like further information regarding their services.
Story written by a volunteer community journalist for SWDN. If you would like to contribute, including writing articles, attending events on our behalf and/or taking photos, email volunteer[@]swd[.]news to get started or register interest for next workshop here.
Jessica Walker
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
