Primary Reconnection Programme

The Primary Reconnection Programme supports children aged 7–11 who are finding it difficult to access mainstream primary education due to anxiety, SEMH needs, ASD, or emotional barriers to learning.

At Riverway, learning is reintroduced through our ‘Pathways’ approach, providing a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where children can reconnect with education, rebuild confidence, and prepare for a successful return to school.

Primary aged boy using a laptop and smiling

Supporting Young Learners

Gently guiding them back to learning through our caring ‘Pathways’ approach at Riverway.

happy young primary aged children running in the sun

Programme Aims

  • Reconnect children with learning in a positive and meaningful way
  • Build confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience
  • Develop primary English and Maths through practical, applied learning
  • Re-establish routines and expectations aligned with a school day
  • Prepare children for a supported reintegration into mainstream or specialist education

How the Programme Works

  • 12 hours per week 
  • 4 sessions per week × 3 hours 
  • Delivered 1:1 or in very small groups 
  • Consistent staffing to build trust and emotional safety 
  • Relationship-led and trauma-informed practice 

Each session follows a clear and predictable structure, supporting emotional regulation while gradually increasing independence and learning expectations. 

Riverway Primary Curriculum Pathways

Primary education learning is delivered through Riverway’s four Pathways, with skills developed in a connected and meaningful way:

Teen girl with a pile of books and a school backpack.
Young boy writing letters on a white board with a marker pen

Discovery Pathway

The Discovery Pathway focuses on rebuilding confidence in core academic skills through real-life, applied learning.

  • English: speaking and listening, reading simple texts, writing sentences and short paragraphs
  • Maths: number, measures, time, money, and problem solving
  • Developing learning stamina and confidence in attempting tasks
Happy young children learning outside of the classroom

Exploration Pathway

The Exploration Pathway uses outdoor learning experiences to support personal, social, emotional, and moral development. 

  • Emotional awareness and regulation 
  • Resilience, confidence, and self-esteem 
  • Social skills, teamwork, and communication 
  • Understanding boundaries, routines, and expectations 
  • Spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding 
Teen boy working on a laptop with earphones
bright colorful paints mixed on a palette with paint brushes

Innovation Pathway – Creative & Practical Learning 

The Innovation Pathway supports creativity and flexible thinking through practical projects that build confidence, choice, and independence. 

  • Art, design, and woodwork 
  • Creative problem-solving activities 
  • Projects that promote choice, confidence, and independence 
Young teen girl learning to cook vegetables

Creation Pathway – Applied Life Skills 

The Creation Pathway brings learning to life by applying literacy and numeracy through real-world activities. 

  • Literacy and numeracy through cooking and practical tasks 
  • Measuring, sequencing, reading, and writing for purpose 
  • Developing independence, responsibility, and confidence 
Group of teens looking happily at a phone with skateboards and bikes

Reconnection & Reintegration Focus

The Primary Reconnection Programme is a time-limited intervention, typically delivered over 12 weeks, with a clear focus on next steps. 

Close communication is maintained with parents/carers, schools, and local authorities to support a smooth and planned reintegration. 

Referrals

Placements are typically arranged through Local Authorities, schools, and SEN teams. Please Contact Us to discuss suitability, availability, or to request further information.