Alternative Education Provision: Building up Young People and Supporting our Future Workforce

Welcome to OxTalks, powered by Enterprise Oxfordshire (formerly OxLEP). OxTalks is your partner in tackling business challenges and achieving your goals, giving an insight into the great work that Enterprise Oxfordshire does to support local organisations and communities. OxTalks host Howard Bentham talks to successful leaders from Oxfordshire and beyond to hear their advice to help your business flourish.

This week, host Howard Bentham speaks with Veena Virahsammy, the founder of Oxford Creators, a not-for-profit alternative education provision (AP) born out of her own personal experience supporting her own son. Veena details the need for tailored support hubs that cater to neurodiverse and misunderstood children.

The conversation highlights the innovative approach of integrating emotional regulation and therapy through practical activities like boxing, podcasting, and music. With the number of children and young people with an Education and Healthcare Plan (EHCP) rising by over 10% in the last year alone, this provision is more critical than ever.

Veena also discusses the necessity of running a not-for-profit like a business and her ambitious expansion plans with Resolve Alternative Provision to raise the bar for AP standards nationally. Tune in to understand how a creative approach to education is building the next generation of resilient talent.

• (00:00) - Welcome to OxTalks
• (01:23) - Exploring Alternative Education Provision
• (03:08) - Vina's Personal Story and Motivation
• (04:41) - Setting Up Oxford Creators
• (05:55) - Unique Approaches in Alternative Education
• (08:19) - Success Stories and Impact
• (11:30) - Challenges and Gaps in the System
• (15:59) - Future Plans and Expansion
• (19:08) - Networking and Business Support
• (28:18) - What's Next of Oxford Creators

Veena Virahsammy: Veena is the CEO and Founder of Oxford Creators CIC, an alternative education provision (AP) she launched in 2022 after years of navigating the system to find support for her son. A highly successful entrepreneur and former Channel 4 award-winning radio presenter, Veena leverages her background in media, clinical hypnotherapy, and video marketing to provide a creative, therapeutic, and practical curriculum for students at risk of exclusion. She is also a founding partner in Resolve Alternative Provision, aiming to expand this innovative model across the UK.

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Our work has made a significant impact, helping to create favourable conditions for economic growth in Oxfordshire. We provide support for hundreds of businesses and communities in the county, supporting their desire to grow and attract the best talent locally, nationally and internationally.

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OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford Podcast Studio and produced by Story Ninety-Four.