Understanding the approach used at Back on Track Pathways
Support is designed to help children and young people who are struggling with confidence, anxiety, emotional challenges, or difficulties coping with everyday situations.
Rather than focusing on academic work or formal therapy, sessions aim to help young people feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to manage life’s challenges.
A Practical, Child-Centred Approach
Every child is different. Support is tailored to the individual’s needs, strengths, and interests, using approaches that feel safe and engaging rather than pressured.
Many children respond best when they are not placed in a traditional “lesson” environment. Sessions often involve practical activities alongside conversation, allowing children to relax and open up more naturally.
Activities may include games, creative tasks, physical activity, or real-life challenges designed to build confidence and problem-solving skills.
Building Understanding and Coping Skills
Children are supported to develop a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and reactions using age-appropriate techniques informed by approaches such as CBT and coaching.
The focus is on helping children:
• Recognise and manage anxiety
• Build self-esteem and confidence
• Develop resilience
• Improve emotional regulation
• Feel more in control
• Approach challenges more positively
Goal-Focused Progress
Where appropriate, simple goals are identified to provide a sense of direction and achievement. Progress is gradual and centred on building stability and confidence rather than pressure to perform.
Working with Parents
Parents play an important role in supporting positive change. Communication is maintained as appropriate so that strategies used in sessions can also be reinforced at home.
What This Support Is — and Is Not
This support is:
✔ Individualised and child-centred
✔ Focused on confidence and wellbeing
✔ Practical and activity-based
✔ Designed to build coping skills
It is not:
✘ Formal therapy
✘ Academic tutoring
✘ A replacement for school provision
✘ Crisis intervention
Moving Forward with Confidence
The overall aim is to help children feel more capable, hopeful, and able to navigate everyday challenges with greater independence and resilience.
Client Grandparent
Thank you, **** enjoyed todays session and is looking forward to the next one. Carol (grandparent)
Jenny, Parent
Thank you Chris. I cannot thank you enough. Beginning of our journey but feeling more positive already, in and out of the household.
Jo, Parent
100% more confident, he has had his first 2 taster days at secondary school and absolutely loved it !! (After hating junior school for years) he's also joined a football team that he would never do before from doubting himself so much! A massive thankyou for your help Chris, he thoroughly enjoyed every session!