Alternative Provision / In-School Mentoring
What Is Alternative Provision? A Clear Guide for Parents and Teachers
Empowering Young People Through Mentoring and Positive Relationships.
We provide Alternative Provision and In-School Mentoring for pupils who need extra support to re-engage with learning, build confidence and make positive choices.
Local Authority Approved
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Based in Worcester
Trusted by schools across Worcestershire
Newbridge School
Bridge School Malvern
Bishop Perowne
Christopher Whitehead
Newbridge School
Bridge School Malvern
Bishop Perowne
Christopher Whitehead
What We Do
Empowered Minds helps young people who find traditional classroom environments challenging.
Through mentoring, positive relationships and structured sessions, we create a safe, consistent environment where pupils can reconnect with learning as well as explore their interests. Our provision blends emotional support with meaningful learning experiences including:
Sports programmes
Crafts and hands-on learning
Life skills and personal development sessions
Art and creative projects
English and Maths support
Music and expressive outlets
Our approach supports focus, motivation, self-belief, social skills and emotional regulation. Pupils begin to rebuild trust, make positive choices and re-engage with school life.
We work with schools, PRUs and local authorities across Worcester and surrounding areas to deliver targeted support that improves attendance, behaviour and wellbeing.
Who We Support
We work with pupils who may be:
Struggling with behaviour, motivation or focus
Experiencing anxiety or low confidence
At risk of exclusion or disengagement
In need of additional SEMH or mentoring support
Our approach gives each young person structure, accountability and a trusted relationship, helping them reconnect with learning and school life.
Building Relationships Through Mentoring
Positive Role Models Make a Difference
Belonging, Participation and Confidence
How We Support
Our Core Areas of Focus
Every session is structured to build confidence, encourage reflection and develop personal responsibility.
Focus & Engagement
Helping pupils re-engage through movement, practical and creative activities that build confidence, concentration and motivation, with English and Maths support included where appropriate to prepare for reintegration.
Behaviour & Life Skills
Building positive behaviour, independence and everyday life skills through structure, encouragement, problem-solving and teamwork, with mentoring used to improve decision-making and readiness for school life.
Emotional Wellbeing
Strengthening emotional regulation, self-esteem and communication through mentoring, reflection, expressive activities and group interaction, helping pupils feel valued, understood and able to make positive choices.
How It Works
1
Referral submitted
School provides initial information about the pupil.
2
Initial conversation
We discuss the pupil’s needs and agree the most suitable support.
3
Placement plan agreed
A plan is agreed with school staff to put the support in place.
4
Sessions begin
Structured sessions are delivered by qualified mentors.
5
Progress tracked
Attendance and progress updates are shared with the school.
What We Offer
Provision Options
Alternative Provision (Day Placement)
10am–2pm structured daily sessions at our community hub.
Mentoring, sport, academic support and creative learning opportunities.
Small group delivery (1:4 ratio)
Suitable for pupils needing additional structure outside the classroomt
Includes planning, delivery, resources and reporting
Children & Teens (7-15 years)
In-School Mentoring & Coaching
1:1 or small group sessions delivered on school premises.
Structured mentoring combining sport and behaviour coaching
Suitable for pupils needing regular, relationship-led support
Includes planning, delivery, resources and reporting
Supports focus, confidence, behaviour and readiness to learn
Children & Teens (7-15 years)
Need support for a pupil?
We provide in-school mentoring and structured Alternative Provision.
Refer a Pupil
safe. compliant. trusted.
Safeguarding and Quality Assurance
Our approach gives each young person structure, accountability and a trusted relationship, helping them reconnect with learning and school life.
All staff are enhanced DBS-checked, regularly trained, and supervised by a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
We align fully with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and local safeguarding partnership procedures.
Quality assurance is maintained through regular supervision, CPD and outcome tracking, ensuring every pupil receives consistent, high-quality support.
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Who We Are
About Empowered Minds
Empowered Minds was founded by Matt Tally and Mark Webb; two practitioners who share a belief in the power of relationships, structure and physical and creative outlets to help young people make lasting positive change.
Together with Danielle Brace and a growing team of trained mentors, we deliver high-quality Alternative Provision and in-school mentoring across Worcester and surrounding areas.
Each member brings a blend of professional qualifications and lived experience, ensuring every pupil receives consistent, safe and nurturing support.
Matt Tally
Co-Founder & Mentor
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Danielle Brace
Centre Manager & Lead Mentor
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Mark Webb
Co-Founder & Mentor
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Matt Tally
Co-Founder & Mentor
Level 2 FA Coach
Safeguarding
Prevent
PACE
Paediatric First Aid
Child Mental Health
Matt’s own experiences at school shaped his belief that behaviour is often communication, and that young people need to feel understood before they can truly thrive. Rather than focusing on labels or judgement, he has always been passionate about helping pupils develop confidence, trust and a sense of belonging.
His coaching background began in grassroots football, where he saw how movement, conversation and encouragement could help children grow not only in skills, but in self-belief. This led to the development of a sports-based mentoring approach rooted in relationships, consistency and emotional awareness.
Empowered Minds grew from that belief — that with the right support, every young person can make positive changes and recognise what they are truly capable of.
Danielle Brace
Centre Manager & Lead Mentor
Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
PACE
Outstanding Nurture Provision Training in Education
Safe Recruitment Training
Level 3 BTEC in Care
Paediatric First Aid
Child Mental Health Training
Understanding Autism Diploma
Prevent
Level 3 Safeguard Training
Level 2 Counselling
ADHD Awareness Diploma
Dani’s passion for working with young people comes from her own life experiences, which taught her the value of empathy, resilience and having someone who genuinely believes in you. She brings that understanding into every mentoring relationship, helping pupils feel safe, valued and capable of change.
She has held roles as an EYFS Deputy Manager, SENCo and Centre Manager in Alternative Provision, supporting pupils with additional needs, emotional and behavioural challenges and those facing difficult circumstances at home. Dani believes that when a young person feels listened to and understood, real progress can begin.
As Centre Manager and Lead Mentor at Empowered Minds, she combines professional training with a calm, relational approach to help pupils build confidence, emotional awareness and a stronger sense of self-belief.
Mark Webb
Co-Founder & Mentor
Level 2 FA Qualified Coaching
Prevent
PACE
Level 2 Safeguard Training
Child Mental Health Training
Paediatric First Aid Training
Mark discovered his passion for mentoring after taking part in one of Matt’s coaching sessions with his stepson. It became clear to him how powerful positive connection, encouragement and a relatable role model can be for young people who may be feeling withdrawn, uncertain or disengaged.
He brings a calm, authentic and down-to-earth presence that helps pupils feel understood and able to connect at their own pace. Mark focuses on helping young people recognise their strengths, build confidence and take ownership of their progress.
At Empowered Minds, he is known for his approachable manner and ability to create an environment where pupils feel safe to explore who they are and what they can achieve.
Why Trust Us
Trusted by Schools Across Worcester
Newbridge School
Bridge School Malvern
Bishop Perowne
Christopher Whitehead
Since the introduction of the new AP provider (Empowered Minds), Student has demonstrated personal growth. He has shown an increase in confidence and now approaches challenges with a more positive and self-assured mindset.
Student has become more reflective, taking more time to consider his actions and responses thoughtfully.
His communication skills have improved, allowing him to express his thoughts and feelings more clearly and constructively.
One of the most notable changes has been the reduction in emotional dysregulation. Student now manages his emotions more effectively, resulting in fewer outbursts and a calmer, more composed demeanour. These improvements have had a positive impact on his interactions and overall engagement.
Overall, Student progress highlights the effectiveness of the support provided and the commitment to his personal development.
– Bishop Perowne, Worcester School
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student has thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and speaks enthusiastically about his experiences and achievements. His positive attitude and excitement about what he has accomplished are clear indicators of his engagement and motivation.
Student appears genuinely happy and confident within this environment, which has created a safe and supportive space for his growth. It is lovely to see.
The staff have provided excellent support, enabling Student to thrive and make the most of the opportunities presented. His confidence and sense of accomplishment are evident, and this progress reflects both his commitment and the quality of the provision.
Overall, Student’s experience has been highly positive, and his enthusiasm demonstrates the impact of the sessions on his personal development.
– Bishop Perowne, Worcester School
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Empowered Minds have a great, experienced and dedicated team that has supported some of our most disengaged students, to reconnect with learning activities through the medium of sport. We look forward to working with them again soon.
Dani worked with me for quite some time when I was in a very very difficult place. She made me feel so comfortable almost instantly which I don’t really ever feel with anyone.
She offered space for me to talk and never judged me , she understands the way my ASD works and didn’t make me feel silly about it. I would recommend anyone to go and let Dani guide and help you through whatever it is you would need her for.
She helped me out of a very dark place and she just knows when something is up.
I struggled with my eating disorder quite a bit over the time I regularly saw Dani and she was so so supportive. It is the support I needed because she not like pushy and like forceful she kind of had this way about her which helped me realise it was okay for me to struggle and not to beat myself up about it but also would challenge and help me with getting to where I wanted to be with my eating disorder.
– Personal Review for Mentoring
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