We know that for some young people, for whatever reason, school can be a very challenging place to be. The more time they spend there the greater challenge seems to become. After a period of time their school journey becomes an unhappy and unrewarding one. Many find the only coping mechanism they seem to have is to put up barriers.

This makes them really hard to reach.

At OSMIS we look at and consider, very carefully, how and why young people struggle. Careful consideration is given to provide the young person with the correct mentor. Bit by bit, with care and support, our skilled mentors begin to unpick the barriers.

We look at positively engaging those children and young people at risk of permanent exclusion, and those awaiting SEN assessments/placements, by providing 1-1 interactions in a positive, nurturing and supportive manner.

Our dedicated, well-chosen staff work hard to develop and build positive social interactions, the bond formed between mentor and mentee is such an important aspect of the journey. The main focus is to solely work on the social and emotional aspects of individuals. Developing and building social interactions, improving cooperative playing skills and raising self-esteem and confidence. With the longer term goal of enabling behavioural change and improving each child’s attitude to learning and the education system.

Sheffield and the surrounding areas have a wide variety of open spaces and endless activity possibilities. OSMIS utilise these spaces to develop a twelve-week programme, tailoring elements to each individual child’s needs and interests. A central base has allowed OSMIS to undertake therapeutic arts and crafts sessions as project or topic work, to expand our range of activities.