Our Story
Andrew...
Andrew spent 10 years working in mainstream education before transitioning into alternative provision. Beginning as a tutor and mentor, he supported young people unable to access full-time education and saw first-hand the transformative impact of clear, outcome-focused alternative pathways.
As the organisation grew, Andrew moved into a management role, playing a key part in developing both the academic and mentoring offer. He has delivered extensive 1:1 tuition and PSHE to SEN learners, supporting young people to achieve qualifications and develop the life skills needed to progress into further education, employment, or adulthood.
Andrew has led PSHE provision within a Hampshire school and is highly skilled in delivering social and emotional support with sensitivity and impact. He is known for building trust and addressing complex topics in a meaningful and accessible way. He has also previously worked as an Independent Advocate, supporting vulnerable adults within a clinical setting.
Beth...
Beth is a qualified careers adviser and experienced safeguarding lead with a strong background in alternative education. She spent five years as director and safeguarding lead of a successful alternative provision in Hampshire, following earlier roles within a pupil referral unit and SEN academy in Bournemouth.
She has also worked within an EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance) unit at a Southampton-based academy, supporting vulnerable young people to successfully reintegrate into mainstream education. This experience ensures her knowledge of current school systems and expectations remains highly relevant.
Beth’s safeguarding expertise and meticulous approach set her apart. She has a natural ability to build strong relationships with young people, helping them engage positively with their future pathways. A committed advocate of continuous professional development, she stays up to date with the latest guidance across safeguarding, GDPR, safer recruitment, and alternative provision.
Our Vision
At Best Foot Forward, we believe that alternative education provision should be a short-term, impactful intervention. Our goal is to support each young person in progressing toward a successful transition into:
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Mainstream education
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Specialist education settings
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Post-16 education and training
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Employment opportunities
Our programmes are designed to create clear pathways forward, ensuring every learner is equipped for their next stage.
Supporting Progress Through Proven Strategies
We understand the complex challenges young people face in both their educational journeys and personal lives. Our experienced team uses evidence-based strategies and therapeutic-informed approaches to help students:
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Build resilience and confidence
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Develop positive coping strategies
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Re-engage with learning
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Overcome barriers to education
With the consistent support of our dedicated tutors and mentors, young people are empowered to face challenges with confidence and make meaningful progress.
Our Vision for Inclusive Education
Our vision is to deliver a truly inclusive alternative education provision in Hampshire that:
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Meets the diverse needs of every learner
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Demonstrates measurable progress over time
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Supports successful transitions into future pathways
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Equips young people with the skills, knowledge, and independence needed for fulfilling lives
We are committed to helping every student move forward with confidence, purpose, and the tools they need to thrive.
Our Values
The most direct way to access our alternative education services in Hampshire is by completing our online referral form.
Providing as much detail as possible allows our team to develop a bespoke, individualised support plan tailored to your young person’s specific needs. This ensures we can deliver a focused programme that supports meaningful engagement, progress, and positive outcomes.
What to Include in Your Referral
To help us create the most effective provision, please include any relevant documentation, such as:
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EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)
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Risk Assessments
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Any additional reports or supporting information
The more comprehensive the information provided, the better we can design a targeted tutoring and mentoring package that meets the needs of the young person.