We Are Tempo

04/10/2026

TEMPO Hub (Wednesdays and Thursdays in Central Barnstaple) has a space for a new joiner. We welcome young people (age 11-16) who are not in school.

The Hub is modelled on the Self Managed Learning Alliance approach which focuses on personal growth, curiosity, and community rather than traditional lessons or grades. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where young people can explore their interests, build confidence, and connect with peers in a low-pressure environment.

This consistent rhythm allows young people to build deep relationships and develop lasting skills in a supportive community—a unique offering in our area.

Please get in touch via [email protected]

or complete our expression of interest form here:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/Tempo14/ExpressionOfInterestTEMPOHub

24/09/2026

TEMPO Hub has a space available!

Our mentoring hub (Wednesdays and Thursdays in Central Barnstaple) has a space for a new joiner. We welcome young people (age 11-16) who are not in school.

The Hub is modelled on the Self Managed Learning Alliance approach championed by Ian Cunningham. In this setting, young people take the lead in directing their own learning goals, supported by adult mentors who help them navigate challenges and achieve success.

This consistent rhythm allows young people to build deep relationships and develop lasting skills in a supportive community—a unique offering in our area.

Please get in touch via [email protected]

or complete our expression of interest form here:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/Tempo14/ExpressionOfInterestTEMPOHub

21/09/2026

Spaces are still available for TEMPO Meet tomorrow. This low-pressure social group is open to young people (age 11 to 16).

We meet at Barnstaple Youth House from 11am to 1.30pm.

“I just cried when I saw the change in him after just one session, it has made such a difference to our family. If you are unsure whether to encourage your child to come, I recommend 100% that you do.” TEMPO Meet parent

Book using this link:
https://bookwhen.com/tempo

Each session includes:
•A relaxed, low demand, safe space where young people can choose to participate if they want to
•A structured activity led by an experienced youth worker
•Time to relax and socialise over lunch (please bring food)
•Drinks and biscuits

Parents and carers are not expected to stay, but are very welcome if your child would benefit from extra support.

18/09/2026

Here at TEMPO we LOVE Peter Gray and he's got a new book out discussing the importance of play.

Here's a short interview to give you a flavour: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/202609/a-manifesto-for-letting-kids-be-kids-to-enjoy-wild-free-play

Are we fixating on smartphones as the biggest harm for children's mental health when actually it's the lack of free play?

How should we as a society be nurturing our children's independence safely and responsibly?

Post your thought in the comments...

Evolutionary psychologist Peter Gray stresses the importance of play and asks if the answer to the youth mental health crisis isn’t less screen time but more freedom.

14/09/2026

Spaces are still available for TEMPO Meet tomorrow.

“I just cried when I saw the change in him after just one session, it has made such a difference to our family. If you are unsure whether to encourage your child to come, I recommend 100% that you do.” TEMPO Meet parent

Book using this link:
https://bookwhen.com/tempo

Each session includes:
•A relaxed, low demand, safe space where young people can choose to participate if they want to
•A structured activity led by an experienced youth worker
•Time to relax and socialise over lunch (please bring food)
•Drinks and biscuits

Parents and carers are not expected to stay, but are very welcome if your child would benefit from extra support.

11/09/2026

I've been working on my 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗢 project for just over a year now. It's been a lot of work but unbelievably rewarding. We've seen many families and young people changed by our low-pressure, relationship-based approach.

𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗢 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁, our weekly social sessions are starting up again on Tuesday 15th. Sam will be running the group as before and is looking forward to seeing our regulars again after the summer break and also to welcoming some new teenagers.

On Wednesday 16th we launch 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗢 𝗛𝘂𝗯 which is our new provision, running for two days each week (5 hours per day). This will be a pilot 12 weeks (with every intention of continuing in January if things go well). We are welcoming Ed and Penny as mentors for the group. A consistent community of adults and young people running for 2 days each week is a unique offering in North Devon. We have now filled our 12 spaces but please get in touch if you might be interested in joining as we are starting a waiting list and we hope to offer more spaces very soon.

If you want more details of either group then please message us or send an email 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼@𝘄𝗲-𝗮𝗿𝗲-𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼.𝗼𝗿𝗴.𝘂𝗸

10/09/2026

It's not too late to book for our TEMPO Meet social session on Tuesday 15th.

Limited spaces – please book early using this link:
https://bookwhen.com/tempo

Each session includes:
•A relaxed, low demand, safe space where young people can choose to participate if they want to
•A structured activity led by an experienced youth worker
•Time to relax and socialise over lunch (please bring food)
•Drinks and biscuits

Parents and carers are not expected to stay, but are very welcome if your child would benefit from extra support.

Please message us with any questions or suggestions – we’d love to hear from you. 🙂

10/09/2026

Just had a busy morning at the HubCafe. Met with my local Co-op community activator and then bumped into Ace Holds The Space Group. Followed by a meeting with Barnstaple Youth House. Also ran into Beep Creative Studio.

So many awesome people working on amazing projects for our local community.

I think I need to pop in there more often!

04/09/2026

What happens when young people have more choice over what and how they learn? 🌱

Dr Ian Cunningham has spent more than 50 years exploring that question and developing Self-Managed Learning.

His work challenges the idea that learning has to follow one fixed path, and asks what becomes possible when people have more ownership over their learning.

At TEMPO’s Reimagining Education Conference, Ian shared his experience and thinking around creating environments where young people can thrive.

🎥 Hear more from Ian Cunningham, alongside Naomi Fisher, Sophie Lovett and the other conference speakers:

https://payhip.com/b/dHIiJ

02/09/2026

What does a typical day at TEMPO Hub look like? 🌿

There isn’t a rigid timetable or one-size-fits-all approach.

TEMPO Hub is designed to give young people time and space to connect with peers, explore their interests, work with adult mentors and develop their own goals.

Sessions run Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 3pm during term time.

The aim is to create a supportive environment where young people can build relationships, confidence and independence.

TEMPO Hub is launching in Barnstaple this September for young people aged 11–16.

Find out more and register your interest:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/Tempo14/ExpressionOfInterestTEMPOHub