Alternative Education and Learning

A calm, structured bridge back into learning.

Short-term, individualised alternative provision for children and young people who are struggling to access their usual education. Fern Path provides targeted 1:1 tuition designed around the individual pupil - helping them re-engage with learning, build confidence and make meaningful progress towards their next step.

This may be appropriate when a pupil is experiencing

• persistent or severe absence

• EBSA- related barriers to school attendance

• anxiety or reduced confidence around learning

• difficulties accessing the mainstream curriculum

• a period of suspension or exclusion

• a significant transition or change in circumstances

• SEND related barriers affecting engagement

• a need for a short, supported period away from the usual school environment.

  What we provide

  Each placement begins with a conversation with the school, parent/carer and, where appropriate the young person to establish what is preventing successful engagement and what the provision needs to achieve.

  Sessions can combine:

• Academic learning

  English, maths and other curriculum based learning, matched as closely as possible to the pupils current curriculum and qualification pathway.

• Re-engagement and confidence

  Low pressure learning, relationship-building and carefully scaffolded tasks designed to rebuild a pupils sense of competence.

• SEND aware support

  Neuro-affirming approaches and reasonable adaptions to reduce barriers to learning.

• Preparation for the next step

  Where appropriate, sessions can focus on routines, organisation, communication, self-advocacy and strategies that support a return to school or transition to another appropriate pathway.

  A Purposeful, time-limited placement

  Fern Path’s AP tuition is designed as an intervention, not a destination.

  Placements are agreed around clear objectives and reviewed regularly. We work with the commissioning school or setting to establish what success will look like and to monitor progress throughout the placement.

  Depending on the pupil, outcomes may include:

• increased engagement with education

• improved attendance or readiness to attend

• increased confidence and reduced anxiety around learning

• progress in identified curriculum areas

• improved learning behaviours and independence

• successful reintegration into school

• preparation for a transition or alternative pathway

  An end of placement report can provide evidence of attendance, engagement, progress, achievements and recommended next steps.

  Flexible Delivery

  Provision can be arranged for a short, defined period, with frequency and duration agreed according to the pupils needs and commissioning arrangements. We aim to complement the pupils existing education and maintain continuity with their curriculum wherever possible.

  For Schools and Commissioners

  If you have a pupil who needs a short term, individualised bridge back into education, Fern Path can work with you to design a focused placement with clear outcomes, regular communication and a planned next step. All packages are designed for school commissioning and align with Cambridgeshire inclusion priorities. Clear outcomes, predictable costs and structured reporting support funding through inclusion budgets, AP commissioning, Pupil Premium and SEND pathways.