JEP Youth Engagement has revealed plans to further expand across the north west to meet the rising demand for alternative provision.
Since being founded in 2020 the all-encompassing wrap-around education and youth service has grown considerably.
With four education-based centres across the region, JEP employs 71 people and works with more than 150 young people every week.
Founder Jamie Pilling harbours ambitions to rollout his growing model nationwide but insists the focus lies first and foremost in the north west.
JEP is NCFE approved and also owns and manages JEP Care, enabling 24/7 provision of both short-term and long-term respite care services to children and young people.
Subject specialist teachers and experienced education coordinators are employed by JEP to deliver primary, secondary and post-16 education curriculums.
On the growth of JEP Jamie, 34, said: “I set up JEP to help young people and I was open to how that might look.
“With that approach it has become what it has. We believe we have a first class and all-encompassing wrap-around service which enables young people to become the best version of themselves. All staff follow the company ethos on a daily basis which is ‘determined to support young people to fulfil their potential.”
Jamie, from Bury, was recently included in the coveted Insider North West’s 42 under 42 list of young entrepreneurs.
“It’s always nice to be recognised,” he said, “but JEP is about young people and the fantastic team we are building to help them fulfil their potential.
“It'd be fantastic to offer JEP services nationwide. But, first things first, it’s about targeting more areas within the north west.
“When JEP started we were an approved supplier of alternative provision in Salford. Now we are approved in Bury, Trafford, Bolton, Manchester and for North West Placements.”
Salford Quays Secondary Education Hub, Bolton Primary and Secondary Education Hub, an Occupational Studies Centre (construction) and Sports Hub in Salford are the current JEP sites.
“JEP Care is an area we want to grow massively,” said Jamie, “but it’s a process and a lot to go through to become a registered provider of Ofsted children’s homes.”
The former Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator for Salford Foundation on the STEER Programme, and Residential Child Care Worker for Salford Council, said: “Ultimately when it comes to the overall growth of JEP, there's been a need out there.
“The company's reputation has grown because we’ve been open to helping young people in any way we feel we can.
“A lot of our teachers have come from mainstream schools and were a little bit disheartened with teaching and the focus on results and numbers within the national curriculum. At JEP it’s about a holistic approach while working towards Ofsted standards - our teachers seem to have a new lease of life.
“Our team has lots of experience in the education sector and we employ some people who I worked alongside in my early mainstream schools career.”
He added: “Throughout the week we see 150 young people but by February it will be more like 250 coming through the doors each week.
“Young people need the best opportunity and a solid rounded platform to achieve their potential.”
