Our Work
Positive Steps was founded alongside A4S from a shared passion to support young people facing extreme anxiety, low self-esteem, and a range of social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
Together, we provide a safe, nurturing alternative to mainstream education, where each student can rebuild their confidence, wellbeing, and love for learning.
A4S
At A4S, we aim to promote a strong sense of well-being and purpose in young people, helping them feel better equipped to move forward, make progress, and lead fulfilling lives. We see ourselves as a vital stepping stone toward a brighter future.
Our passionate and committed team brings a broad range of skills and qualifications from teaching, coaching, and beyond. Together, we are united by a shared goal: to help young people succeed in life.
A4S offers a personalised programme of training and support, tailored to each individual’s interests and needs. All sessions are delivered on a 1:1 basis by qualified male coaches, creating a supportive and consistent environment.
Activities such as angling, environmental maintenance, carpentry, aquatics, and catering are used to engage students in practical learning, helping them re-connect with education in a meaningful and accessible way.
Young people are also given the opportunity to:
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Work towards life-changing Gateway qualifications
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Develop essential life skills and positive working relationships
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Build confidence, self-esteem, and aspirations for the future
Positive Steps
Positive Steps is an alternative educational provision supporting young people aged 10 to 18 across Bedford and the surrounding areas. We work with students who are struggling to thrive in traditional educational environments, offering a personalised and therapeutic approach to learning.
We provide a calm, quiet, and supportive space tailored to each young person’s individual needs. All sessions are delivered on a 1:1 basis by skilled female coaches from educational and social care backgrounds. This personalised support helps each student feel safe, valued, and understood, fostering trusting relationships that are key to their emotional and personal growth.
Our programmes blend academic learning with creative, hands-on activities—including arts, crafts, cooking, and time in nature—to encourage exploration, expression, and enjoyment. Students are supported to achieve recognised qualifications while re-engaging with education at a pace that suits them.
To make our support as accessible as possible, we offer transport to and from each student’s home and provide lunch as standard.
At Positive Steps, we focus on nurturing every young person—helping them build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem—and guiding them to take meaningful steps toward a brighter, more positive future.
Gateway Qualifications
We are approved to deliver Gateway Qualifications on a one-to-one basis, enabling each learner to receive personalised support and work at a pace that meets their individual needs.
This year, 11 students successfully completed a Level 1 qualification, supporting their progression into further education, training, and future employment opportunities.
Our most frequently delivered qualifications are:
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Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award in Progression (Entry 3)
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Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Building and Construction
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Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Progression
Learners work alongside their coach to tailor their programme around their interests, strengths, and future aspirations.
Qualifications can incorporate a wide range of practical and vocational subject areas, including angling, estate skills, arts and crafts, cooking, and many more, while embedding the development of English, mathematics, and numeracy skills throughout.
In addition, learners can complete sector-specific taster units, allowing them to explore different vocational areas, to identify their interests before choosing a future education, training, or career pathway.
Gateway Qualifications provide flexible learning opportunities, enabling learners to achieve qualifications at the size and level most appropriate to their individual needs and stage of learning.
The qualifications are designed to support progression through achievable, incremental steps, helping learners build confidence and gain recognised accreditation.
Get in Touch
For more information about the Positive Steps programme or to make a referral, please contact:
Hannah Lain
01234 272140
hannah.lain@a4sbedford.com
For more information about the A4S programme or to make a referral, please contact:
Graham Wilson
01234 272140
graham.wilson@a4sbedford.com