Alternative Education Provision

Our Alternative Education Provision delivers flexible, nature-led and therapeutic learning predominantly for hard-to-reach children and young people in KS1–4. We offer personalised 1:1 and small-group support, both in-school and off-site, for learners with SEMH needs, neurodiverse profiles such as ADHD or ASD, or those who struggle in traditional classroom settings. Our approach builds confidence, resilience, practical skills, and positive outcomes, supporting re-engagement with mainstream education or forward pathways.

Activities and locations may include

– Bird watching at Stanpit Marsh. – Nature walks and nature journaling at Stour Valley Nature Reserve. – Fishing or Crabbing off Mudeford Quay. – Mindfulness and laying in hammocks at St Catherine’s Hill. – Fossil and shark teeth hunting along Highcliffe and Naish Beach. – Forest and Beach school activities at Hengistbury Head. – Leaf art, painting and sketching in Bournemouth Gardens. – Litter picks and environmental stewardship on Boscombe beach. – Community engagement with local businesses and organisations. We will also try to accommodate interests or activities our children and young people may have.

Forest School Provision

Our Forest School provision unlocks learning through nature, offering inclusive, hands-on experiences within the school setting that supports all children and young people, including those with additional needs. Purposeful outdoor sessions nurture emotional wellbeing, confidence, independence and resilience, while developing social skills and teamwork, creativity, and fine and gross motor skills. Through meaningful, practical learning in nature, children and young people build essential life skills, and form a deeper connection to learning and the natural world.

Activities may include

– Natural crafts and creative exploration. – Tool use and simple woodwork – Shelter building and teamwork challenges. – Fire lighting and outdoor cooking. – Mindfulness, sensory activities, and reflective time. – Nature exploration and seasonal learning.

Home Ed/Community Groups

We also offer Alternative Education Provision and Forest School sessions for home-educated children and young people, Scouts, youth groups, community groups, and other organisations supporting children and young people.

Activities may include

– Forest School and Bushcraft skills and activities. – Outdoor play and exploration. – Practical life skills and problem-solving. – Creative arts using natural materials. – Team games and collaborative challenges. – Emotional literacy and self-regulation activities. – Seasonal projects and nature-based learning.

Adverse weather

We try to run most of our activities outside in nature. However, when the weather doesn’t cooperate and its not safe or fun to go outside, we’ve got plenty of engaging indoor options such as; Bournemouth Natural Science Society, Rock Reef, Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, and Kingfisher Barn.

“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf.”
– jon kabat -sin