Wi Educate: Building Confidence, Skills and Pathways for Young People with Diverse Needs

When Emma Goodman and her partner started Wi Educate in 2022, they did so because they had spotted a gap.

Both had worked on supported internships and study programmes across Northamptonshire, supporting young people aged 16 to 24 who couldn’t access mainstream education. But there was a group who were falling through even those programmes.

“A lot of young people with SEMH needs and emotional based needs were unable to even access these programmes,” Emma explained at the Musically Unorthodox Conference.

So they built something new.

Inspire, Empower, Grow

Wi Educate is built around three progressive programmes.

Inspire is the first step: re-engaging young people with education after they have fallen out of the system.

Empower is where they begin to find their feet, exploring different pathways including music, media and creative arts.

Grow is the supported internship stage: real work-based education, honing skills rather than chasing qualifications.

“Qualifications may not be the right pathway for some young people,” Emma said. “We focus on the skills.”

Who They Work With

Wi Educate is a specialist post-16 provision. Young people joining the programme must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with autism and ADHD being the primary needs among their current cohort.

But the common thread is not a diagnosis. It’s experience.

“Everyone has experienced quite huge barriers to education, through whatever reason that may be.”

Many have not felt included in previous settings. Many have experienced bullying and harassment.

“We really want to make a safe space for them to grow their confidence and self-esteem, and go forward.”

The Growing Need

Wi Educate is still in its first year. But the demand has been immediate.

From 10 young people at the start, they have grown to 45 this year. They are projecting a cohort of 60 from September.

“The need is absolutely huge,” Emma said.

Creative Industries as a Stepping Stone

Through their co-curriculum approach, Wi Educate has identified a particular gap: creative industries provision for their cohort.

“There hasn’t really been anything there for them previously. They’re not able to access college education at this time.”

From September, they hope to launch a provider route within music and media.

“We want to be that stepping stone. Build the confidence, build the skills, and then move them on to real work, real work experience, a tangible progression route.”

The Mission

Wi Educate’s mission statement is worth quoting in full:

“To empower young people with diverse needs to thrive through personalised education, meaningful work experience and strong community partnerships.”

The key word is partnerships. Emma was clear: they are looking to build connections with anyone who can help their young people.

“They really are very talented. They’re the most amazing group of young people who haven’t had the opportunities they really need.”

Northampton College offers music production courses covering studio production, computer music, and the music industry. They are actively seeking partnerships and real-world projects for their students.