Alternative Educational Provision
At Affable Alternative Provision, our strength lies in the meaningful relationships our practitioners build, creating trust, unlocking potential, and empowering every young person.
All Affable teachers hold QTS and our mentors bring years of specialist experience. Working closely with BCP schools, the local authority, and the wider community, we provide structured, nurturing alternative provision for young people who need a different path — because "Believing is Seeing."
Every young person deserves an education that starts with them and grows with them.
What We Offer
Provision built around the whole young person
"Supporting each child from the centre outward"
Our bespoke 1-1 approach allows for genuine relationships between students and staff. Learning is paced to the individual, with a curriculum that builds confidence alongside knowledge.
"Human first teachers". Affable Alternative Provision is a small, experienced, trauma-informed team of SEN teachers with QTS. All team members have worked both as class teachers and within AP as Tutors and Mentors, and are confident supporting pupils with complex needs, communication differences, and barriers to engagement. We work closely with referring schools to ensure continuity of learning, maintaining alignment with each student's educational plan throughout their time with us.
Therapeutic Support
Emotional wellbeing sits at the heart of everything we do. Our staff are trained in trauma-informed approaches, and we work alongside SEMH specialists to ensure each young person feels safe, heard, and supported.
We don't just address behaviour — we seek to understand it, creating the conditions for genuine, lasting change.
Community focused
Children benefit enormously from receiving educational alternative provision out in the community because real‑world environments naturally lower pressure, spark curiosity and make learning feel meaningful. Cafés, libraries, farms and parks offer sensory‑rich, low‑demand spaces where young people can practise communication, independence and emotional regulation in ways that feel safe and authentic. These settings gently build confidence, reduce anxiety associated with traditional classrooms and help children reconnect with learning through experiences that are hands‑on, relational and rooted in everyday life.
From construction and horticulture to creative arts and digital skills, our vocational offer is designed to open doors — not close them.
Reintegration Planning
Our goal is always a positive next step — whether that's a return to mainstream school, a college placement, or a supported employment pathway. We work with schools, families, and local authorities from day one to plan for what comes next.
Regular review meetings, detailed progress reports, and open communication ensure that everyone involved is working towards the same outcome.
Examination Support
All our teachers bring a strong track record of delivering Functional Skills modules, GCSE programmes, and high‑quality teaching across Key Stages 1 to 4. Their breadth of experience ensures that every learner receives targeted, age‑appropriate support that builds confidence, strengthens core skills, and promotes meaningful academic progress.
"For the first time in two years, he wanted to come to school. That changed everything for our family."
Who We Support
Young people who need a different kind of support
We work with young people aged 4-25 who are unable to access mainstream education due to a range of complex needs. Our provision is designed for those who have experienced:
- Social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties
- Persistent school refusal or anxiety
- Fixed-term or permanent exclusion
- Trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Neurodivergence including ADHD and autism
- Gaps in provision following EHCP assessment
87%
of students demonstrate measurable improvement in attendance and engagement within the first 12 weeks.
74%
successfully reintegrate into mainstream education, further education, or supported employment within 12 months.
100%
of referring schools rate our communication and reporting as good or outstanding in annual feedback surveys.
Our Pedagogy
Growth Mindset at the heart of everything we do
Inspired by the pioneering research of Carol Dweck, our teaching is rooted in growth mindset principles. We help young people understand that ability is not fixed — it develops through effort, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
For young people who have experienced repeated failure in mainstream settings, this shift in belief can be transformative. When a young person begins to see themselves as capable of growth, everything changes.
- Effort and persistence celebrated over innate ability
- Mistakes reframed as essential steps in learning
- Praise focused on process, not just outcomes
- Self-reflection built into every session
"In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening — so rather than thinking, oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here's a chance to grow."
100%
of students show measurable progress in self-belief
Every day
growth mindset principles woven into sessions
Why Affable
Trusted by schools and local authorities across the region
Safeguarding First
All staff hold enhanced DBS clearance. Our safeguarding policy is reviewed annually and we operate in full compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.
Qualified & Experienced Staff
Our team includes qualified teachers, SEMH specialists, and pastoral support workers with extensive experience in alternative provision and specialist education settings.
Transparent Reporting
Referring schools and local authorities receive regular written progress reports, attendance data, and are invited to attend termly review meetings for every student.
Trauma-Informed Practice
Our whole-setting approach is grounded in trauma-informed principles. We create environments where young people feel safe enough to learn, grow, and take risks.
Flexible Commissioning
We work with schools and local authorities on both short-term and long-term placements, with flexible commissioning arrangements to suit individual needs and budgets.
Ready to refer a young person?
We work closely with schools and local authorities to make the referral process as straightforward as possible. Our team will guide you through every step.
We respond to all referrals within 48 hours.
"The team at Affable were responsive, professional, and genuinely invested in our student's progress from the very first conversation."