Specialist education provision to open on Coggeshall road

Coggeshall Road, named after the road it sits in, combines therapeutic approaches with a agreed curriculum.

It specifically works with young people aged between 12 and 17 who are struggling to engage at school, at home and in the community.  

Located at New Barns it aims to increase confidence and promote social engagement for teens who have SEND and are struggling in mainstream education.

Meet the team - Sam, Jonny, Lisa, Annie and Tom (Image: Lisa-Jane Colyer) Founder and director, Lisa-Jane Colyer decided to launch Coggeshall Road after 11 years at a different alternative provision.

“I realised there was a need, with the amount of referrals we were getting,” Lisa said.

“There aren’t enough places like these to deal with the high numbers.

“I thought it was about time I took the jump.

“I came out to this site and fell in love with it – I could really see the vision and I went for it.”

Coggeshall Road supports young people with functional skills, English and math GCSE, statistics and art.

All staff on site are experienced and qualified, including wellbeing co-ordinator Sam running interventions for anxiety, self-esteem, low mood, panic, intrusive thoughts and stress intolerance.

A music room also features inside, as well as a maths room, kitchen and social area, sensory room, art room and private outdoor area.

Young people and staff play card games and socialise during break times (Image: Halle Groves) “We felt the kitchen area was important because a lot of our young people don’t like eating in front of people or socialising,” senior manager, Annie Gourlay said.

“We try to encourage them to have a lunch and sometimes a breakfast.

“There’s a lot of support from staff during break times, we play card games and really encourage social interaction.

“Pretty much all of them come with sensory needs, we profile the kids, and a programme is created for built in sensory activities.

“The activities help to regulate, calm and engage those parts of the brain needed to be able to learn.”

Coggeshall Road is due to have a new staff member arriving next week to start outdoor learning in the private garden onsite.

Outdoor learning includes bush craft and fire building (Image: Lisa-Jane Colyer) During outdoor learning, bush craft is taught, as well as cooking on a fire, building a fire and using tools.

“It’s important for kids to connect with nature and be involved in the practical elements,” Lisa said.

“These activities will encourage resilience and student learning.”

The most important aspect for Coggeshall Road’s team is safety, with all staff members trained in safe guarding.

Lisa adds: “The safety of the young people is really important to use.

“We want parents to know they’re sending their children to a safe place, and we want the kids to feel safe and protected.

“I’m a parent of an autistic child and I really understand how difficult it is and how frustrating it can be for parents.

“One of the things that drew me to the site was the gates out the front, knowing kids can come here and feel secure.”

Coggeshall Road can take on 20 young people, promoting 1-1 learning and small groups, and offers up to 15 hours per week.

“So many of our kids have been bullied and the way we get to work closely with them we can be on top of that,” senior manager, Jonny Weavers said.

“We can try to change the way they view education.

“Their journeys have been bumpy and if they’re coming here, they need to be here.

“We really try to make sure their experience here is different and to help them see a positive future.”

Lisa said seeing the kids prosper in their care is so rewarding. 

She said: “They’re excellent kids. The rewarding feeling you get from supporting them is lovely.

“They just need to be nurtured and cared for.”

Coggeshall Road is due to open later this year.

For more information, visit Coggeshall Road