Communication and regulation
Communication-led support, SCERTS-informed practice, sensory regulation, emotional regulation and self-advocacy.
Our offer
Specialist support shaped around the learner.
The current starting offer is a 12-week initial placement, with a 6-week review point so everyone can check what is working and what needs to change.
12-week initial placement
The initial placement gives enough time for careful information gathering, relationship-building, communication support and next-step planning. Many learners with complex needs need weeks, not days, to feel safe enough to show what they can do.
Hours, location, staffing and review arrangements are agreed before the placement begins. If a learner needs more time to build trust, routine and readiness, continued part-time support can be discussed at review and agreed in writing.
What progress may look like
Progress may include tolerating shared space, communicating wants and needs, accepting support, accessing a familiar place, building independence or preparing for a transition.
Learning and support
Sessions can include
Meaningful learning
EHCP-linked targets, functional English and maths, digital skills, PSHE, life skills and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes.
Community participation
Graded work towards sharing space with others, community access, appointments, leisure opportunities and everyday independence.
Bespoke transition and next steps
Some learners need a highly bespoke transition to their next step. This may involve returning to school or college, moving towards supported living, accessing social or leisure opportunities, attending appointments or building confidence in community settings.
EmpowerEd North can help by building a trusting relationship with the learner and working with the accepting provider or organisation. This may include preparing social stories or visual supports, planning graded visits, sharing strategies, modelling approaches and helping the adults around the young person understand what works.
Working alongside others
We are not a therapy or diagnostic assessment service, but we can work alongside speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other professionals already involved with a learner.
Areas of learning
Learning is practical, purposeful and personal.
Life skills
Daily living skills, routines, making choices, purposeful activities, independence and confidence in everyday situations.
Sensory needs
Movement breaks, sensory regulation activities, adapted environments and support to communicate sensory needs.
Social communication
Shared understanding, positive relationships, choices, preferences, self-advocacy and belonging.
Support around the learner
Helping adults understand the young person too.
Sometimes the most important work is not only direct work with the learner, but helping the adults and settings around them feel more confident. EmpowerEd North can share practical strategies, communication approaches, sensory information and transition planning so support feels more consistent.
Examples
This might include modelling an approach, supporting a first visit, helping prepare a new room or routine, or explaining what signs of anxiety, refusal or readiness may look like for that learner.