The confidence to do things differently

We are in a time of fundamental change for schools. Unprecedented social, economic, financial and technological pressures compel schools to think and act differently in their approaches: to behaviour systems, curriculum and allocation of resources.

We have a firm conviction that schools and their communities possess the resources to meet these challenges, and meet the multiple needs of young people in the world today, if they are given the confidence to implement alternative approaches, and the support to develop the resilience necessary to be genuinely inclusive.

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Who We Are

We have spent many years working across the UK education to establish authentically inclusive provision. We passionately believe that such an approach is fundamental to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the current moment. We have established Beyond Measure, in 2025, to apply the knowledge and skills we have gained to effect wider impact.

We draw on extensive leadership, teaching and research experience in alternative and mainstream settings, urban and rural; long track records of innovative and highly regarded practice; and exceptional academic and theoretical grounding. We understand the tensions and obstacles to inclusive practice within mainstream settings, and the systemic challenges and psychological pressures teachers experience. We have a nuanced familiarity with the SEN landscape – assessment, commissioning, multi-agency partnerships – and a practical understanding of how to implement effective change within it.

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Co-Founder

Joel McIlven

Education leader with over 20 years’ experience across the UK and US, spanning early years to higher education in both mainstream and specialist settings. Proven track record as Headteacher of two independent special schools, including founding leadership, guiding teams through multiple successful Ofsted inspections, and advancing inclusive practice systemically. Joel is a recognised expert in SEMH, relational behaviour management, safeguarding, and trauma-informed pedagogy, with extensive experience training and mentoring teachers, supporting families, and designing creative curricula. A pioneering practitioner of Hip Hop Education in the UK, Joel completed his BA at the University of Oxford, his PGCE at the Institute of Education, London, and a Master’s degree at New York University.

Co-Founder

Robin Dallas-Childs

Education researcher and leader with over 20 years’ experience across education, social care, policy, and the voluntary sector. He holds a PhD in Education from the University of Edinburgh. His expertise includes pupils identified as having social, emotional and behavioural needs (SEBN), care-experienced children and young people, inclusive and alternative education, and relational approaches to learning grounded in recognition and belonging. Robin has led ESRC and Wellcome Trust-funded research and supports organisations to develop evidence-informed, ethical, and impactful policy and practice. He brings extensive senior leadership experience from independent special schools, charities, local authorities, and education partnerships.

What We Offer

We offer practical and strategic support to help schools create genuinely inclusive spaces, with clear implications for both policy and day-to-day practice. With extensive experience across alternative provision and mainstream education, we work alongside leaders and staff to build the confidence to do things differently, empowering schools and other settings to develop resilience and cultivate environments where every student and service user can belong and thrive. Our support includes establishing inclusion spaces that are safe, enjoyable, and productive; embedding cultures of belonging through aligned systems and processes; deepening understanding of SEN, trauma, and neurodiversity; and strengthening the capacity to understand, plan for, and respond effectively to moments of challenging behaviour.

Emboldening Leadership

We empower leaders to do things differently with confidence. Through practical support rooted in real experience, research and successful practice, we help schools build inclusive resilience, manage and lead change, and test approaches that fit their unique context. Leaders are supported to demonstrate impact using their own knowledge, relationships, creativity and understanding of their setting.

Internal Alternative Provision

We support the establishment and development of effective Internal Alternative Provision: spaces that are safe, enjoyable, productive and genuinely inclusive. We support the development of processes, policy, practice, curricula, and allocation of resources that reinforce this, and systems of evaluation that will capture the impact.

Community Provision

We support schools to work with the families in their communities, establishing powerful collaborations leading to transformative impacts: joined up care for young people; a source of empowerment for families - the challenges they have overcome becoming tools for helping the wider community, and a resource to increase capacity and enhance resilience of school

Contact

If you would be interested in working with us or finding out more about what we do,

please email: info@beyondmeasure.org.uk