Home educated
Young people aged around 12-16 who are home educated, not currently attending school, or not attending school full time.
Home education pilot
Home Education Pilot Programme
Small-group home education pilot
EmpowerEd North is currently finalising details of a possible small pilot programme for autistic learners aged around 12-16 with social communication differences who are not currently attending school, or are not attending school full time.
The pilot is being explored for young people who may benefit from structured, low-demand opportunities to build confidence, communication and social understanding in a safe, supportive environment.
This pilot is separate from EmpowerEd North’s commissioned specialist AP placements. It is being designed as a small-group opportunity rather than a highly individualised placement package.
What we are exploring
EmpowerEd North is looking at whether a small, carefully matched group could support home educated autistic young people who may feel anxious, isolated or unsure about joining wider social or learning opportunities.
The programme is not yet open for places. Details are still being developed, and any pilot would only go ahead if we are confident that the group can be safe, appropriate, affordable and meaningful for the young people involved.
A separate small-group strand
The Home Education Pilot is not intended to replace commissioned AP placements for young people who currently need intensive 1:1 or 2:1 support, significant personal care or medical support, or a risk-managed transition package.
Where needs are more complex, an individually commissioned placement may be more appropriate.
Who it may be suitable for
Young people who may benefit from a small, calm group.
Autistic young people
Young people who are autistic and may benefit from support with communication, confidence and social understanding.
Anxious or isolated
Young people who may feel socially anxious, isolated or vulnerable.
Carefully matched
Young people who may benefit from a small group with thoughtful matching and planning.
Sensory-informed
Young people who need a calm, predictable and sensory-aware environment.
Confidence and regulation
Young people who may need support with confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and safe interaction with others.
Possible areas of focus
Meaningful goals, not a one-size-fits-all programme.
Communication and self-advocacy
Supporting young people to express needs, preferences, choices and boundaries in ways that work for them.
Confidence and resilience
Building confidence gradually through achievable, respectful and well-supported experiences.
Regulation and wellbeing
Noticing what helps a young person feel safe, settled and ready to participate.
Supported peer interaction
Creating gentle opportunities to share space, take turns, collaborate and understand others.
Practical life skills
Developing useful skills linked to independence, preparing for adulthood and everyday participation.
Community participation
Considering safe community access when young people are ready and when it is appropriately planned.
Expected delivery model
Small, venue-based and carefully planned.
The pilot is expected to be term-time only initially, venue-based at first, and delivered in a small group. It would be autism-informed, sensory-aware, low-demand and relationship-based.
Activities may include interest-based collaborative work, communication opportunities, practical tasks, shared routines and supported social participation.
Details still being finalised
Full details, including session length, cost, staffing, venue arrangements and start date, are still being developed.
Parent and carer views
We would like to hear what would actually help.
Before finalising the programme, EmpowerEd North would like to hear from parents and carers of autistic young people aged around 12-16 who are home educated, not currently attending school, or not attending school full time.
We are especially interested in what would genuinely benefit your child, what barriers they experience, what sort of session length would be realistic, and what support would feel meaningful.
Complete the short survey
If you are a parent or carer of a home educated autistic young person aged around 12-16, you can share your views using the survey below. Your responses will help us understand whether this separate small-group pilot would be useful and realistic for families.
Important note
Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee a place. The pilot will only go ahead if we are confident that we can offer a safe, appropriate, affordable and meaningful group for the young people involved.