Therapeutic Alternative Provision
What is Alternative Provision?
Alternative Provision (AP) is a form of education for children and young people who, for whatever reason, aren't able to learn in a mainstream school setting right now. This might be because a child has been excluded, is too unwell to attend school, or needs extra support to build confidence and skills away from the mainstream classroom.
The Department for Education recognises AP as a vital part of the education system — one that gives children who are struggling the chance to keep learning in an environment that's right for them, with the goal of building them back up so they can return to mainstream school, or move on to further education, training, or employment when they're ready.
Our Approach
We support pupils who struggle to thrive in mainstream education by providing a safe, trauma-informed alternative learning provision. Through high-quality teaching and evidence-based therapeutic support, we help pupils re-engage with learning, build emotional resilience, and regain self-confidence.
Our flexible approach offers three tailored pathways: re-engagement for those out of school, bridging support for pupils returning to education, and targeted assistance to improve attendance and engagement in their mainstream school. By meeting each pupil's unique needs, we enable successful transitions back to education, or onwards to further education, training, or employment.
The TAP Model
Our model is built around a set of core elements — the key components that make the provision effective and personalised for each pupil.
Psychologically Informed Formulation
All support is formulation-led, not behaviour-led. Support begins with the development of a psychologically informed formulation to understand the function of behaviour and the underlying drivers of absence, rather than focusing solely on attendance targets.
Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches
We apply proven therapeutic interventions tailored to each pupil's needs, including functional communication training, teaching emotional regulation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and behavioural activation.
Holistic Education & Wellbeing
We balance academic learning with therapy, life skills, and enrichment activities.
Flexible Pathways & Phased Progression
Our three-pathway model reflects each pupil's differing starting point, allowing them to move at their own pace — from community engagement, to partial education, to sustained attendance — through phased reintegration or progression.
Personalised Timetables & Outreach Support
We create customised schedules, including outreach support, to meet each pupil's individual needs.
Staff Capability Building
We provide training, coaching, and collaboration with schools and partner agencies to deliver effective, aligned support.
Family Support & Engagement
We build family capacity to reinforce learning and wellbeing at home.
Our 3 Pathways
Engagement
For pupils struggling to access any form of education or community life. One-to-one outreach and home-based learning focused on rebuilding trust, confidence, and basic routines — providing a foundation for re-engagement with education and their wider community.
Transition to Education
For pupils unable to access full-time schooling, or who are struggling to engage in education. We act as a bridge back into mainstream education through one-to-one tuition and small-group learning, complemented by strong therapeutic and wellbeing support.
Transition to School
When pupils are ready, we support their reintegration into mainstream or post-16 settings, with ongoing support, mentoring, and family liaison.
Who We Support
· Pupils at risk of exclusion or who have been permanently excluded
· Pupils with SEMH needs, anxiety, or Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
· Neurodivergent learners (including autism and ADHD)
· Pupils medically unable to attend mainstream school
· Pupils without a current school placement
Education Other than at School (EOTAS)
Our support can form a component of an EOTAS package. Contact us to discuss further.
What People Say