In the latest data available, there were 326,325 fixed period exclusions, from maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools across the UK. Shockingly, 37,000 of these exclusions were from Primary Schools, with 4,000 of these fixed exclusions being children aged 6 and under! Unless there is a clear intervention, the trajectory for children excluded from school can often lead to a life of unemployment, poverty, crime or worse.

By 1 coach, spending at least 1 hour a week with one child (for at least one year), we have seen numerous examples through the pilot programme where this has had a dramatic impact on a child’s life. Each child is given time and individual attention to help them identify how to reflect and improve upon their behaviour and catch up on missed learning. Beyond their time with the child, volunteers also develop relationships with families who may need extra support.