Transitional Support Programme
Transitional Support Programme (TSP)
At Wild Embers, we recognise that for some children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), re-engaging with school life can be complex and challenging. Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is increasingly recognised by schools, local authorities, and education bodies as a significant factor impacting attendance and wellbeing.
We are EBSA trained and bring years of experience supporting learners whose barriers to school attendance are linked to anxiety, trauma, or wider social and emotional needs.
Our approach is rooted in empathy, inclusion, and partnership. We work closely with schools, families, and learners to create safe, supportive pathways back into education where appropriate. For some children, this may mean rebuilding confidence and resilience to return to the classroom, while for others it may be about strengthening wellbeing and self-esteem so they feel a sense of belonging and achievement in whichever setting they are learning.
Delivered outdoors in nature-rich environments, our Transitional Support Programme is designed to:
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Boost confidence, resilience, and positive self-identity
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Strengthen mental health and emotional regulation skills
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Build trust and meaningful relationships with peers and adults
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Support social connection and a sense of belonging in education communities
What our TSP offers
Flexible Pricing
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Inclusive, learner-centred approaches that focus on sustainable, long-term outcomes.
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Clear progress reports linked to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) areas of need (if applicable).
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Improved attendance and engagement, creating a more positive school experience for the learner, their family, and the wider school community
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1:1 and 2:1 support options
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Parental support, ensuring every child and family feels heard, valued, and included.
Our pricing is flexible and depends on the level of support required, reflecting the individualised nature of each child’s needs.
Referral
To make a referral or to discuss a possible referral, contact our Transitional Support Programme Manager: Emily Risby emily@wildembers.org
Meet the TSP Team
An outdoor alternative provision team doesn't get much better than this...
Transitional Support Programme Lead
Mel Triggs
Mel is the heart and hands behind our Transitional Support Programme, working directly with children to help them feel safe, supported, and ready for their next steps.
As our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and a Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader, she brings a wealth of expertise and a love of muddy boots to every session.
With a background in primary education, community care work, and early years settings, Mel has worked with children across all ages, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges.
She holds both paediatric and outdoor first aid qualifications, and is passionate about using natural materials to inspire creativity, connection, and confidence in SEND children.
An outcomes-driven practitioner, Mel keeps the child and their unique needs at the very heart of her work. She has a gift for turning challenges into opportunities and believes that every child can thrive given the right environment, support, and maybe a few sticks and leaves
Transitional Support Programme Manager
Emily Risby
Emily brings over 20 years of experience in primary education to Wild Embers, where she now leads our Transitional Support Programme with warmth, expertise, and an unwavering focus on the whole child.
Having worked as both an educator and SENDCo, she specialises in supporting children with special educational needs, drawing on in-depth knowledge of trauma, attachment, neurodivergence, and nutrition.
Her career began teaching through the medium of art, a passion for creativity that has since evolved into a holistic approach, nurturing children’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
With a unique blend of mainstream education experience and therapeutic practice, Emily creates safe, inclusive spaces where children can flourish during life’s transitions.
Whether guiding a child through a challenging change or finding a creative way to spark their curiosity, Emily’s work is always grounded in care, connection, and the belief that every child can thrive.
Wild Embers Founder, Director,
Richard Scofield
Richard is the founder and driving force behind Wild Embers - our fearless leader with a knack for turning outdoor spaces into places of growth, joy, and a little bit of magic.
A Level 3 qualified Forest School Leader with extensive experience in outdoor learning experiences, Richard also serves as our Safeguarding Lead, making sure the safety and well-being of every participant is front and centre.
Paediatric and Outdoor First Aid trained, he’s prepared for just about anything nature (or children) can throw at him.
Around here, he’s known as the “child whisperer”
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Able to spark a campfire and a game of woodland hide-and-seek in under a minute.
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His skills? Unmatched.
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His commitment? Unshakable.
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His ability to connect with children? Pure magic!
Alternative Provision Lead
Derek O'Toole
Derek brings a wealth of experience (and a fair bit of legend status) to Wild Embers. His career spans statutory, voluntary, and independent sectors, including NHS and Social Care management consultancy, leading prison mental health for the Department of Health and Social Care, and senior commissioning roles. Most recently, he retired as Head of Mental Health and Social Health Commissioning for Devon CCG, where he oversaw the entire mental health allocation for both children and adults.
An expert in commissioning services and bridging the gap between public and VCSE sectors, Derek also happens to be a trained outdoor education and leadership mentor, because he believes learning doesn’t always happen in a classroom.
Beyond Wild Embers, he’s the director of Resilient Lives, chair of Dartmoor Skylark Radio CIC, a personal trainer, and a facilitator for The Incredible Years parenting programme.
Around here, he’s known as “Grandpa Justice,” “Baldylocks,” and our very own SEND superhero.
There’s truly no one quite like Derek, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The [Wild Embers] team provided a well thought out, highly personalised experience for the children involved. Despite the fact that there were very diverse individual needs within the group, the team ensured that every child's needs were catered for. As well as being a very enriching experience in which all the children were engaged, the impact was seen by teachers within the classroom. All three teachers who had children within the group reported an increase in confidence, engagement, independence and resilience following the course.
Head of Harbertonford Primary School
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