FAQs

Alternative provision (AP) offers education for students who are unable to attend mainstream school due to various challenges, such as behavioural, emotional, or academic difficulties. Our goal is to re-engage these students in their learning journey and support them in returning to a mainstream setting or helping them succeed in another suitable pathway.

Our programmes are designed for primary and secondary students who are at risk of exclusion, struggling in mainstream education, or require additional support due to academic, behavioural, or social difficulties. We work closely with local authorities, schools, and parents to identify and support students who would benefit from our provision.

We develop individualized learning plans for each student, focusing on their academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. This plan is designed through a combination of assessments, input from teachers, parents, and the student, ensuring a holistic and personalised approach to their education and development.

For both primary and secondary students, we provide core academic support in subjects such as English, Maths, and Science, aligned with the National Curriculum. Our small group and one-on-one sessions allow for focused attention, helping students catch up on missed learning and rebuild their confidence in these subjects.

Yes, particularly for secondary students, we offer vocational training and life skills development, preparing them for future education, employment, or training (EET). This includes practical skills, career guidance, and work-related learning opportunities to ensure they are well-equipped for life beyond school.

We use behaviour management strategies, mentoring, and therapeutic interventions to help students develop self-regulation, resilience, and positive behaviour patterns. Our staff work closely with students to address the root causes of their behaviour, ensuring long-term improvement.

Our multidisciplinary team includes mentors and well-being specialists who provide emotional support and mental health care. We offer one-on-one counselling, group therapy sessions, and resilience-building activities to help students cope with stress, anxiety, and emotional difficulties.

The duration of a student’s placement in alternative provision varies depending on their individual needs. Some students may only require short-term intervention, while others may need longer-term support. Our goal is to reintegrate students into a mainstream setting when they are ready or help them transition to a suitable next step.

Referrals can be made through schools, local authorities, or parents. After receiving a referral, we conduct an initial assessment to determine the student’s needs and create a tailored plan to support their academic and personal development.

Yes, we offer a range of enrichment activities aimed at developing students’ social, emotional, and creative skills. These can include sports, arts, and community projects that encourage teamwork, leadership, and personal growth outside of the academic setting.

We use a combination of academic assessments, behavioural reports, and well-being check-ins to track each student’s progress. Regular reviews are held with students, parents, and referring agencies to ensure that the student is making strides in their learning, behaviour, and personal development

Once a student has completed our programme, we work closely with their mainstream school, parents, or carers to ensure a smooth transition. If a student is moving to further education, training, or employment, we provide guidance and support to help them take their next steps successfully.

Transport arrangements are typically the responsibility of the referring school or local authority. However, we can assist with coordinating transportation if necessary to ensure students can attend our programme regularly.

You can contact us directly via phone, email, or through our website. Our team is always happy to discuss how we can support your child’s needs and provide further information about our services.

Our team consists of qualified teachers, experienced mentors, and specialists in behavioural and emotional support. Many of our staff have additional qualifications in SEN (Special Educational Needs), mental health, and trauma-informed practice. We ensure continuous professional development for all staff to keep them up to date with best practices in education and student support.

We take safeguarding very seriously. All staff members undergo thorough background checks and safeguarding training. We have clear safeguarding policies in place to protect the well-being of every student, and we maintain strong communication with parents, schools, and relevant agencies to ensure each student's safety and well-being.

We actively involve parents and carers throughout the student’s time with us. Regular communication, progress reports, and meetings are held to keep them informed about their child's progress, behaviour, and well-being. We also offer support for parents and carers, helping them to understand their child’s needs and how best to support them at home.

We have specialist staff trained in supporting students with a range of SEN, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning difficulties. Our tailored approach ensures that students receive the individual support they need, including adapted learning materials, one-on-one support, and differentiated teaching strategies.

Yes, one of our main goals is to help students successfully reintegrate into mainstream education. We work closely with students, schools, and parents to ensure a smooth transition back into their regular school environment, once they are ready.

We focus on positive behaviour management, teaching students to understand the impact of their actions and develop better self-regulation strategies. Our staff use restorative practices and mentoring to guide students towards improved behaviour, while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.

The cost of our services varies depending on the type of provision and the individual needs of the student. In many cases, our services are funded by local authorities or schools. We work closely with referring agencies to ensure the best financial arrangement is in place to support the student.

Yes, we provide meals or snacks during the school day for students. We ensure that food provided meets nutritional guidelines, and we accommodate any dietary requirements or allergies.

We expect students to attend regularly, as consistency is key to their progress. If a student is unable to attend due to illness or another reason, parents or carers are required to inform us. We monitor attendance closely and work with families to resolve any barriers to regular attendance.

For secondary students, we provide career guidance, work experience opportunities, and vocational training. We support students in exploring options for further education, apprenticeships, or employment, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to pursue their goals beyond our programme.

Our class sizes are kept small, typically ranging from 6 to 10 students per group. This allows for more focused, individualised attention and enables us to better meet the needs of each student, fostering a more supportive learning environment.

We understand that some students may benefit from a blended approach to learning. In certain cases, we offer online learning options to supplement in-person education, ensuring students can continue their learning journey even if they face barriers to attending in person.

In addition to academic and vocational training, we provide a range of extracurricular activities designed to promote social skills, confidence, and creativity. These activities may include arts and crafts, sports, drama, music, and community-based projects.

We offer mental health support through one-on-one counselling, therapeutic activities, and mindfulness practices. Our trained staff work closely with students to help them manage their anxiety and mental health challenges, creating a safe space where they feel supported and understood.