Every young person deserves a chance to move forward
Bridge Forward Mentoring provides personalised mentoring, educational support and alternative provision for children and young people aged 5–21 across West Somerset — meeting them where they are, and helping them go further.
Somerset Council Alternative Provision Framework
Approved Provider
100%
focused on the young person
Who We Support
We work with young people who would benefit from an alternative school provison— aged 5 to 21 — across West Somerset. Every programme is individually tailored and outcome-focused.
Pupils at Risk of Exclusion
We support young people who are excluded or at risk of exclusion from mainstream school, providing a stable and nurturing alternative that keeps them engaged in learning.
SEND, SEMH & Autism
We work with young people with SEND, social, emotional and mental health needs, Autism and behavioural challenges — creating a calm, flexible environment where they can grow at their own pace.
Disengaged Learners
For young people who have become disengaged from education, we rebuild confidence and motivation through individually tailored programmes that connect learning to real life.
Ages 5–21
children and young people supported
Fully mobile
we come to you across West Somerset
100% tailored
every programme individually designed
Community-based
animal and farm centres, libraries, play zones, parks, woodlands, beaches, adventure parks and more
Our Approach
Our service is fully mobile. We can collect learners from home, school or college and deliver learning in community settings — animal and farm centres, libraries, play zones, parks, woodlands, beaches, adventure parks and other appropriate venues across West Somerset.
One-to-One Mentoring
At the heart of what we do is a genuine relationship between mentor and young person. Our experienced mentors take the time to understand each individual — their challenges, their interests, and their goals — building the trust that makes real progress possible. We work closely with schools, families and professionals to ensure every young person gets the right support.
Subject Tutoring & Structured Learning
We provide subject tutoring and structured learning sessions tailored to each young person's needs and curriculum requirements. Whether catching up on missed learning, preparing for exams, or building foundational skills, our sessions are flexible, focused, and delivered in a way that works for the individual. Learning can be delivered through structured sessions or disguised within experiences and activities.
Outdoor Learning & Animal Experiences
We believe that learning doesn't have to happen in a classroom. Our forest school and outdoor activities, along with animal experiences, offer young people a different way to engage — building confidence, resilience and wellbeing through hands-on experiences in the natural world of West Somerset.
Why Bridge Forward?
"Learning through their interests, at their pace, in environments where they can thrive.”
— Bridge Forward Mentoring
"Every young person learns differently. We find the approach that works for them.”
— Bridge Forward Mentoring
"“Building relationships first. Building confidence next. Building a pathway forward.”
— Bridge Forward Mentoring
Ready to find out more?
Whether you're a parent, carer, school or local authority — we'd love to talk about how Bridge Forward can help your young person move forward.