Mentivity Respite Provision
Our bespoke, holistic programmes provide an alternative to managed moves or permanent exclusion from mainstream settings. Based at Mentivity House in SE17, our young people have the chance to re-engage with education and develop essential life, social & academic skills, charting a path towards a brighter & progressive future.
Our provision is trauma informed and underpinned by the 6 principles of nurture.
Learning is Understood Developmentally.
Creating a Safe Base.
Prioritising Well-being Development.
Emphasising Effective Communication.
Understanding Behaviour as Communication.
Supporting Transitions with Structure.
A Holistic Alternative
An alternative to managed moves or permanent exclusion, we provide a bespoke, holistic programme for Young People while on respite from a mainstream setting.
How we support young people at risk of exclusion.
Targeted intervention to address behavioural needs & social development, reigniting and encouraging a love for learning.
Bespoke mentoring for each child. Encouraging students to work towards specific & achievable goals, with time set aside for self-reflection.
Social, emotional and behavioural support.
Independent, 1-1 & group learning within a calm setting.
Our team have over 30 years of teaching experience (SEND, Pastoral, Mentoring and Nurture Groups) within Mainstream, Special schools and PRUs.
Experienced at working with students at risk of NEET.
Mental Health First Aid trained, Trauma Informed Training (ACE, PTSD) Contextual Familial Harm Training (County Lines, Domestic Abuse) Nurture UK trained
Meet the Team
With a combined experience of over three decades in alternative education, SEND, and pastoral care, our Respite Team is uniquely equipped to transform young lives.
Jennifer Holmes brings 18 years of dedication to setting up nurture groups, reintegrating students into mainstream education, and championing inclusion and progress for pupils with SEND.
Stefano Nelson drives safeguarding excellence and operational impact at Mentivity House, guiding young people through safe, structured support that enables them to thrive and progress.
Together, Jennifer and Stefano offer a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for creating pathways that inspire confidence, resilience, and brighter futures for all.
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Head of Education and Deputy Safeguarding Lead
I am an experienced and dedicated practitioner and have taught in Alternative and SEMH provisions, primary and secondary schools and adult education over the past 18 years. I specialise in setting up and running Nurture groups (SILs 3), PRUs (SILs 6 in Southwark) and teaching pupils with SEND. I have a high success rate of pupil reintegration back into mainstream from alternative provisions, and supporting pupils to make accelerated progress (Harris Academy – Transition classes). I am NurtureUK accredited and trauma informed trained.
I am passionate and enthusiastic about teaching and learning and I always seek to promote equal opportunities, inclusion and value diversity amongst all students and adults. I believe that I can make a difference to pupils’ lives by empowering them and in turn improve their life chances. I am committed to raising standards and improving pupils’ performance and progress in education, so that they can have a clear and supported pathway to adulthood.
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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Operations & Impact Manager
Stefano Nelson is Mentivity House’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Operations & Impact Manager, leading programme design and development while driving operational delivery and impact across the organisation.
He ensures young people are supported in a safe, structured environment that enables growth and achievement.
He also leads football coaching sessions, using sport to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
Through this hands-on approach, Stefano helps young people engage positively, develop key life skills, and access opportunities to thrive both on and off the pitch.
Make A Donation.
We’re raising £250,000 to deliver impactful sessions at Mentivity House, support young people through our new Youth Club initiative, and extend our reach to the wider community on the Aylesbury Estate in Southwark.