 |
Kate Dommett, Programme Development Lead at Transforming Lives for Good (TLG), shares how local churches are transforming the lives of children facing struggles that are preventing them from engaging with school through a trauma-informed approach, building relationships, and early intervention coaching. |
Across the UK, the challenges faced by children and young people are becoming increasingly apparent. At the start of 2025, it was estimated that up to 400,000 children are not in school [1], up 50% from 2023. Certain groups, such as disadvantaged pupils and those in care, are more likely to exit the school system permanently.
A host of reasons can impact a child's ability to thrive inside and out of school, impacting their mental and emotional wellbeing. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) are known to have significant effects on children’s wellbeing and engagement with education. According to a report for NHS England in 2023, 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8 to 25 years had a probable mental disorder and highlighted that these children are much more likely to face challenges with engaging in school. On top of which, 48% of 14-year-olds and 28% of 10-year-olds in the UK say they don’t like school.
How can the Church support children and families who are struggling with education, often to the point where they are no longer in school?
As the new academic year rolls around and churches pray for young people starting new classes or schools (Education Sunday is 14 September 2025), it’s worth keeping in mind that not every family finds education easy or looks forward to going back to school and that children and young people facing these struggles might be in your church or community.
There is an urgent need for effective support to positively impact these young lives and change outcomes for the better, and the local church is uniquely placed to respond. This is why Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) has spent over 25 years equipping these churches to bring hope to children and families who are struggling. TLG believes that the UK church has a God-given mission to bring light and love to all, and especially to serve and support the needs of families, whether they be impacted by poverty, social isolation, emotional hardship or mental health struggles.
Early Intervention Coaching:
one coach, one child, one hour a week
One innovative response to this challenge is TLG’s Early Intervention Coaching Programme which offers a practical solution, for UK churches and families who are struggling.
Volunteer coaches are trained with a trauma-informed approach to support children in school for a whole year. Coaches also connect with their coached child’s family to journey with parents or carers, be encouragers and grow connection.
The transformative power of providing a safe space for children to connect with a trusted adult is invaluable. This consistent, nurturing environment allows children to have fun, feel accepted for who they are, and develop a curiosity about their inner world and the world around them. Each year, this approach brings about positive change for hundreds of children. By fostering emotional resilience and equipping children with the tools to regulate their emotions, the UK Church is making a significant difference in preventing adverse outcomes in young lives.
In 2024, 500 TLG coaches delivered over 10,000 sessions across the UK and TLG’s impact data shows that 89% of coached children cope better with the demands of the school day as a result of coaching, and 96% of young people who have been in TLG coaching are successful in reintegrating into mainstream education.
One young person for whom school was incredibly challenging said,
"Coaching helped me want to come to school. It built up my confidence and made me more calm in situations. I feel more confident now, and my anxiety is getting better".
A headteacher said, ‘Coaches are lifesavers for these children. When coaching started, this child's attendance was at 30%. As a result of coaching, and the fantastic supportive and encouraging space created by the coach, their attendance is now at 100%’.
TLG's training programmes
If you’re interested in serving children and families in this way, TLG has training and programmes to support your church’s volunteers. TLG works closely with partner churches to develop spaces that are welcoming and accessible for all local families. Lianne Silvester, TLG’s Church Connections Lead, says, ‘as churches become more trauma-aware, the culture changes to enable felt-safety for families who are overwhelmed and isolated and the result is church community that is more inclusive and authentically connected with their wider community’.
If you are looking for resources to support young people (and their families) struggling with school refusal, TLG’s Therapeutic Support team have a free online training webinar called The Emotional Rollercoaster, which trains and equips churches to become these spaces. The training:
- explores our understanding of emotional health and its biblical roots;
- equips individuals in the church to develop emotional intelligence in ourselves and others when in overwhelm;
- looks at how to develop effective tools to reduce stress and implement better self-care.
The Emotional Rollercoaster training also comes with a practical resource which specifically equips supporting adults to journey with children or young people in emotional overwhelm. It’s great to use in 1:1 mentoring relationships or group settings so is a resource you could use with a young person you know who is not in school. It is just one of the resources provided by TLG that can be used in church or school and designed to support parents and carers.
References
[1] Only 95,000 of these 400,000 are registered as home educated. However, in many cases, they are registered as such because the children are not coping with traditional education not because of the educational philosophy of the parent(s).