Our Curriculum
At Illuminate You – Learning for Life Lodge, our curriculum is built around the whole child — nurturing not just academic achievement, but also emotional resilience, life skills, and self-belief.
We deliver a flexible, trauma-informed curriculum that meets young people where they are and helps them move forward at a pace that feels safe, manageable, and empowering. Our bespoke learning plans are shaped by each student’s needs, interests, abilities, and aspirations.
Our Standards
As an independent school, we adhere to all relevant legislation and statutory guidance to ensure the safety, well-being, and educational development of our pupils. This includes compliance with the Independent School Standards Regulations (2014), Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations, The Equality Act 2010, and The Children and Families Act 2014. We also follow guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) on areas such as safeguarding, SEND provision, and curriculum delivery. Our policies and practices are regularly reviewed to ensure we meet our legal obligations and maintain a high standard of education and care.
Our School Team.
All staff at Illuminate You, Lifelong Learning Lodge are carefully selected through a robust Safer Recruitment process, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and the Independent School Standards. Every member of staff has completed an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, along with identity verification, right-to-work checks, employment history review, and two verified references before starting employment.
Our team includes qualified tutors, therapists, counsellors, and specialist support staff with experience in working with children and young people who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Staff hold relevant qualifications in Education, Health and Social Care, Therapeutic Practice, and Behaviour Support, with senior leaders qualified at Level 5 or above in Leadership and Management.
All staff complete a comprehensive induction and ongoing CPD programme that covers safeguarding, behaviour management, trauma-informed practice, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), first aid, equality and diversity, and supporting learners with SEND. Regular supervision, reflective practice, and training updates ensure the team maintains high professional standards and provides safe, nurturing, and effective care and education to every pupil.
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Academic Progress
Students work toward AQA Unit Awards, Functional Skills (Maths, English, ICT), and where appropriate, GCSEs. We prioritise engagement, progress, and confidence-building over traditional performance measures.
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Admissions, withdrawals and Complaints
Admissions to Illuminate You, Lifelong Learning Lodge are coordinated through local authorities. Each referral is carefully reviewed to ensure that we can fully meet the young person’s needs within our therapeutic and educational framework. Prior to admission, we review the learner’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), undertake a risk assessment and matching process, and liaise with professionals and parents to plan a smooth transition. Our aim is always to ensure that every learner placed with us can thrive both educationally and emotionally within a safe, supportive environment.
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Withdrawal of a pupil is managed sensitively and in close consultation with the placing authority, parents or carers, and relevant professionals. A transition plan is developed to ensure continuity of education and support, minimising disruption and safeguarding the pupil’s well-being.
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We operate a clear and transparent Complaints Procedure in line with the Independent School Standards. Parents, carers, and placing authorities are encouraged to raise concerns at the earliest opportunity so they can be resolved informally where possible. Formal complaints are logged, investigated, and responded to within agreed timescales.
To date, Illuminate You has received zero formal complaints, reflecting our strong partnership approach, open communication, and commitment to high-quality provision.
To log a complaint please click here
