Back in School, Back on Track: Supporting a Return to Education
Helping young people move from school refusal to re-engagement – one personalised plan at a time.
Why are so many young people missing from education?
Nearly 39,200 children and young people were reported as missing from education in the UK’s autumn 2024 census¹. Among them are many without diagnosed mental health conditions or learning disabilities – young people who often slip through the cracks, missing out on vital opportunities for learning, social connection and future independence.
At PSG’s Hounslow Return to Education Service, we support this overlooked population through our person-centred 5-Stage Model. Each young person has a unique story, so we take time to understand their strengths, aspirations and the barriers they face. These can include physical or mental health challenges, difficulties with routines, peer relationships, mainstream environments, or past trauma.
We begin by building trust with the young person, their family, school and wider network. Together, we develop tailored support – building coping skills, adapting environments, and empowering those around them. When setbacks happen, we stay flexible and responsive. Once engagement with education is consistent, we step back, ensuring long-term success is sustainable.
Case Spotlight – Overcoming Barriers Linked to FND
One young person we supported was an 11-year-old girl unable to access mainstream education due to Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), leading to prolonged sleep episodes, physical behaviours towards others, and self-injury.
Through close collaboration with her family and school, we introduced structured routines, increased community involvement, and supported her to recognise triggers and apply coping strategies that worked for her. This holistic approach saw her attendance rise from 0% to 81% – reaching 90% three months after our support concluded.
Creating lasting change through person-centred support
This is just one example of how the right support, delivered at the right time, can transform a young person’s trajectory. By focusing on building trust, developing practical skills, and creating environments where young people feel safe and understood, we open the door for them to re-engage with education and future opportunities. Our aim is not only to address immediate barriers, but to empower young people and those around them to sustain progress – fostering confidence, autonomy and inclusion long after our involvement ends.
