Referrals

Our part-time Alternative Provision supports children and young people from Year R to Year 9, in small groups of no more than 10. This provision is primarily designed for those who are on roll at a named school.

We use Forest School practices to help learners develop a deeper understanding of their social and emotional needs. Through regular outdoor sessions, children and young people build resilience, confidence, and the skills needed to better manage their behaviours. Over time, this empowers them to re-engage with learning in more traditional academic settings.

This provision offers a safe, supportive space for those who need time away from the mainstream environment. Our experienced staff deliver tailored outdoor activities that engage each individual and encourage emotional regulation. Children and young people are equipped with practical coping strategies that can be transferred back to their school placements.

We ask that placements last a minimum of 19 weeks to ensure meaningful impact. Our leadership team includes qualified Forest School Leaders and a Research Psychologist, supported by additional Forest School practitioners and trained mentors.

The quality of our provision is assured through Achieving for Children.

Who Can Access the Alternative Provision?

Our part-time Alternative Provision is primarily for children and young people who are on roll with a named school in Years R-9. However, we also consider referrals for children outside of formal education, including those who are home educated (EHE) or currently out of education due to SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) needs, on a case-by-case basis.

1. Direct School Referral (DSR)

Any school can refer — an EHCP is not required.
Funded directly by the referring school.
Sessions run Monday to Thursday.
Available at both our Three Bridges and Hogsmill sites.
Schools can choose 1 to 3 days per week.
To refer, complete the Direct School Referral Form below.

2. EISS/APPP Referral

Schools or professionals from the Education Inclusion Support Service (EISS) or SEN Team should refer via this route.
The child must have an EHCP and already be known to the service.
Part-funded as part of the child’s placement package.
Sessions run Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Delivered at our Hogsmill site.
To refer, complete the APPP (Alternative Provision Placement Panel) Referral Form below.

3 Referrals for young people who are Home Educated / Out of Education

Only for families with a young person not on roll at a named school.
You may complete a Direct School Referral (DSR) Form yourself.
Tick the relevant section for Home Education or Out of Education.
A member of our team will contact you to discuss next steps.

Referral Process & Decision Making

All referrals are reviewed in the order in which they are received.
Once we receive a referral form, we will usually respond by email within 48 hours to arrange a discussion and observation.
Following the observation and if a place is offered, the referrer and family have 5 working days to confirm acceptance.

I'm a parent and want my child to come to you.

Speak to your child’s Headteacher, SENCO, Social Worker, or Case Worker. They can support the referral process. This includes children on EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) packages.

Accessing our Full-Time Provision, Berrylands

Our Full-Time Provision is only available to young people who have already accessed our Part-Time Provision. This allows both us, the Education Inclusion Service and council services to assess whether a full-time placement is appropriate and beneficial for the young person. You can read about our unique curriculum here.

Ready to Refer?

Complete the appropriate referral form below. If you’re unsure which route is right for you, contact us and we’ll help guide you.

DSR Referral

EISS/SEN Referral