At Futures-Essex Ltd, we are more than just a team; we are a passionate collective committed to addressing the unique needs in Essex. Our purpose is clear, it is to support the ever-growing Alternative Education sector within Essex whilst also offering mentoring services. We firmly reject that education is a “one size fits all” solution. Instead, we draw inspiration from various pathways, including Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) and Montessori. Our goal is to create a holistic approach that caters to the individual needs of each young person we support.

While we may be a small organization, we embrace it wholeheartedly. Our compact team allows us to provide personalized attention to every student. We are passionate about ensuring progress and overall success for each learner who walks through our doors.

Meet The Team

Lauren: Director and Manager

Lauren is probably the first person you will meet when you call or visit us. With over 15 years of experience, I have a diverse background in Sport Science, Youth Work, Children's Social Care, and Education. My journey has led me to develop a deep passion for Alternative Education.

I believe in the power of empathy and active listening to empower individuals and create an inclusive community. Building safe, consistent relationships is foundational to my approach, ensuring everyone feels supported regardless of their background or challenges.

Having felt like a square peg in many of my previous roles, I founded Futures-Essex and Project Gen CIC to address the ongoing and ever-increasing needs of young people in Essex. I am dedicated to removing the barriers that young people face in our ever-changing, complex, and unpredictable world.

As a passionate advocate for social equity and justice, I enjoy networking with local and national organizations to continually broaden my knowledge and improve outcomes for the students I am privileged to work with. 

Pippa: SENCo, Lead Teacher

Pippa is an experienced and inclusive qualified teacher holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) who is passionate about ensuring all young people have access to the opportunities they deserve. Her commitment to inclusion drives her to continuously seek out innovative teaching methods and resources that cater to diverse learning needs. 

Pippa is instrumental in forming our vision and has played a key role in the development and design of the curriculum. Pippa oversees the logistical organisation and daily timetable, ensuring smooth operations throughout the school day.

As the strategic lead for SEN across Futures-Essex, Pippa’s dedication to supporting students with special educational needs is evident. She is Trauma Perceptive Practice Trained and serves as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), highlighting her commitment to the well-being and safety of all students.

Megan: KS2 Tutor and Holistic Mentor 

Meet Megan, a Qualified Teacher, Wellness Support Specialist and OFSTED Registered Childminder dedicated to supporting and promoting wellness for her students. Megan plans and teaches our KS2 intervention lessons for small groups of children in English and Mathematics, with a passion for making learning fun and engaging. Outside of Futures-Essex she offers Reiki, crystal healing, and water mastery sessions. In her free time, Megan enjoys Reiki, sound baths, crystals, reading, running and  paddleboarding.

Clare: English Lead and Studio Teacher

Clare is a dedicated and qualified teacher holding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Clare delivers high-quality English and Maths lessons within the outreach provision, covering Key Stage 3 & 4 and Functional Skills.

With a calm and consistent approach, Clare’s teaching capabilities are further highlighted by her ability to adapt her methods to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. 

Clare is currently training as a counsellor and working towards a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. She has already achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Introduction to Counselling Skills, a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory, and is qualified as an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner. She ensures that concerns regarding student safety are recorded appropriately using the correct systems, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being and safety of the school community.
 

Nichola: Youth Mentor

Nichola is a vital member of our Girls Group - Future In Arts. She is a passionate advocate for young people's emotional and mental health, and takes pride in her ability to build positive relationships. Beyond her work with Futures-Essex, Nichola is a dedicated vocal coach, offering one-on-one singing lessons. Her commitment to her students is unwavering, helping each one achieve their goals. Outside of her professional roles, Nichola loves spending time in nature and often finds inspiration for her music during long walks in the countryside. Her warm and approachable personality makes her a beloved mentor and friend to many.

Nicola: Our Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist

We are excited to have Nicola onboard with us. Nicola is a highly experienced Hypnotherapist and Hypnoanalyst with over 12 years of dedicated practice. She offers her services to both children and adults, drawing from her background in School settings with a special focus on Nurture and Social and Emotional wellbeing.

Nicola is a registered member of the APHP (Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy) and CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council).

How Nicola Can Help You:
With expertise in analysis, Nicola delves into the subconscious mind to uncover the root causes of issues. Often, our childhood templates shape our beliefs and behaviors, and Nicola helps clients reset these templates for positive change. Nicola’s goal is to empower clients to feel like their authentic selves, making necessary adjustments for lasting transformation.

Areas of Expertise:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Fears and Phobias
• Self-esteem and Self-confidence
• Stress Management
• Insomnia
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Child and Teenage Therapy
• Exam Stress

If you’re a student working with Futures-Essex, Nicola’s services are available to you. She can provide support and guidance tailored to your unique needs. For those who prefer to pay independently, Nicola offers her services outside of the Futures-Essex program. Whether you’re a student or not, you can benefit from her expertise.

If you would like to find out more please visit Nicola's page Absolute Hypnotherapy - Hypnotherapy, Stress and Anxiety or contact the main office on 01245 982888. 

Tutors 

Our Commitment

We work closely with vulnerable young people and their families, ensuring they feel heard and supported. Many face judgment and struggle to access universal services. At Futures-Essex Ltd, we advocate for social equity and justice, striving to create an inclusive community where everyone has a voice and has a seat at the table.

Our initial focus is on building meaningful relationships. We believe that strong connections lead to better outcomes for students. Each team member at Futures-Essex Ltd is dedicated to fostering these connections.