Our Programmes School and Community Projects Schools Partnership Engage Engage provision: Supporting Key Stages 2–3For students aged 9-13 who are struggling to stay connected with school Engage is our newest programme on our pathway of support, created for young people who are anxious, withdrawn or at risk of exclusion. Designed to meet students where they are, it offers a nurturing, small-group setting where pupils can rebuild confidence, explore their potential, and take positive steps back towards classroom life. Helping pupils reconnect with learning through sport, mentoring and emotional support. Hear about Engage from our team, below: Our Vision Every child deserves a fair start in life. Our Purpose To provide social, emotional, and practical support for children and young people who need it — but don’t get it. Our Values Collaboration – Teamwork amplifies change Trust – Relationships are at the heart of everything we do Hope – We help young people believe in a better tomorrow Belief – Every young person has potential Compassion – We lead with empathy and care What is Engage? Engage is Bath Rugby Foundation’s education support programme for children and young people aged 9 to 13 (Years 4 to 9) who are struggling to thrive in mainstream school. Whether due to anxiety, behaviour challenges or emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), many young people are at risk of disengaging from education. Engage offers them a safe, structured and positive alternative. We combine sport, mentoring and emotional wellbeing support in trusted community venues to help students build confidence, feel included and reconnect with learning. Engage is delivered in small groups by trained staff with experience in trauma-informed care. We work closely with schools and families to support a student’s reintegration at their own pace. Why Engage? EBSA affects up to 5% of children in the UK (NHS Digital) The number of persistent absentees from school has doubled since the pandemic (DfE, 2023) 75% of children with social, emotional or mental health (SEMH) needs receive no specialist support (Children’s Commissioner, 2022) These young people are being left behind. Engage helps bring them back in. Who it’s for Pupils in Key Stage 2 and 3 (Years 4 to 9) Children and young people who are: Experiencing anxiety, EBSA or low confidence Facing social, emotional or behavioural challenges At risk of school exclusion or disengagement Inclusive of all genders and identities Where it takes place Engage is delivered weekly at trusted community rugby clubs across B&NES and Wiltshire: Midsomer Norton RFC (BA3 2UE)Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 9am-2pm Trowbridge RFC (BA14 6JB)Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 9am-2pm Bath Rec Sports Hub (BA2 4ET)Thursdays and Fridays: 9am-2pm What happens in a session? Each Engage session blends sport, creativity and social development to support: Confidence building 1:1 and group mentoring SEMH-focused learning and emotional literacy Physical activity and team-based games Goal-setting and reintegration planning Sessions are small (2–6 students) and built around a 1:3 staff ratio to provide personalised support and a safe, trusted environment. Delivery model 2-3 sessions per week in each location Term-time delivery for 30 weeks 20 hours of programme delivery weekly across all sites Close collaboration with schools and referrers Referral from schools, SENCOs, AP leads, local authorities and behaviour panels What schools can expect A highly focused intervention to support SEMH and EBSA pupils Regular attendance and behaviour tracking Consistent reporting and communication from BRF staff Alignment with Ofsted’s Personal Development framework Flexible and trauma-informed delivery Cost: £150 per student, per session (school-funded) What people say Staff quote:“Engage addresses a current national and local need to support children and young people experiencing disengagement and a lack of SEMH support from schools. Engage has been inspired through the fantastic work of Northampton Saints Foundation, and we are proud to be able to offer this provision to our schools and children and young people in their communities.”– Alex Randall, Community Manager Stakeholder quote: "Engage has had a genuinely positive impact on two previously disengaged and disenchanted Year 9 students. Their attendance has improved significantly, both at the provision and in school. There has also been a clear increase in their self-confidence and self-esteem; they appear more secure, more willing to participate, and better able to engage with academic challenges back in school - something that was a real challenge before Engage. "Communication from the provision has been clear, effective and timely, ensuring strong collaboration with both school staff and the families of the pupils. Safeguarding systems are robust, with clear procedures and prompt information sharing. Overall, Engage is providing a structured and supportive environment that is making a meaningful difference to these students both in and out of school." – Joanna Blair, SENCO and Deputy Headteacher, Beechen Cliff School Programme insight:“75% of children with SEMH needs have no access to specialist support. Engage meets students where they are - using sport and mentoring to help them rebuild confidence and take the next step in their learning.” Progress in Numbers The following statistics highlight the progress made by students on Engage between September 2025 and February 2026: Attendance: The national average attendance in mainstream schools is 92%. Before joining Engage, our students were attending school significantly less than this. After 2-3 months on the programme, their attendance improved to between 92% and 94%. Punctuality: Students’ punctuality improved by 4.4%, meaning more students are arriving at school on time. Learning engagement: Students achieved 36% more positive learning outcomes, including improvements in focus during lessons, staying in class, managing conflict, and remaining on task. Behaviour: Schools reported a 25% increase in positive behaviour from students following their participation in Engage sessions. How to refer We currently accept referrals from: Schools and multi-academy trusts SENCOs and inclusion teams Local authorities and behaviour panels Alternative provision leads To discuss a referral or arrange a visit, please contact:[email protected] Manage Cookie Preferences