14 - 16 Provision
Every school strives to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse group of learners. While many young people thrive in mainstream education, some benefit from a different environment, specialist expertise and personalised support.
Petty Pool Alternative Education partners with schools to provide flexible, activity-led programmes that help learners re-engage with education, achieve meaningful progress and prepare confidently for adulthood.
Through our partnership, schools benefit from: Earlier intervention Specialist staff with expertise in SEND, EHCP’s and SEMH Personalised programmes aligned to EHCP outcomes Regular communication progress reports Flexible commissioning of provision Reintegration into school Improved attendance Flexible models (e.g. part-time placements, transition packages, short-term stabilisation support) Embedded Maths and English
For students who are:
- At risk of disengagement
- Experiencing persistent absence or emotionally based school avoidance
- Requiring a therapeutic SEND approach
- At risk of suspension or exclusion
- Likely to benefit from smaller groups and personalised learning
NEET Re-Engagement
A specialist, activities-led route for young people with an EHCP who need confidence-building and a low pressure environment to transition back into learning, training or work.
For young people who are:
- NEET or at risk of becoming NEET
- Struggling in mainstream or large FE settings
- Experiencing disrupted education, high anxiety, disengagement, or reduced attendance
- Missing out on the right environment for them
- In need of a fresh start, trusted relationships and a specialist SEND approach
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning and adventure research consistently demonstrates that outdoor and experiential learning improves confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and engagement for young people experiencing barriers to education.
Delivered through Venturewood (Petty Pool’s Outdoor Centre & Delamere Activity Centre) Activities include: Climbing, Canoeing, Archery, Mountain biking, Orienteering, Abseiling. All delivered by fully qualified instructors with SEND experience. Outdoor learning provides immediate success, reduced pressure, and fast boosts in confidence and self-belief; crucial for young people who have experienced repeated failure or exclusion.
Programme Intent
Re-engagement & Readiness
- A structured, calm environment that enables young people to return to learning safely and positively
- A personalised approach that rebuilds trust, aspiration, routine and stability
Confidence, Identity & Emotional Regulation
- Outdoor and experiential learning to rebuild a positive sense of identity
- Opportunities to experience success immediately, sparking motivation
- Support in developing positive behaviours, emotional control and resilience
Skills for Life, Education & Employment
- Strengthened social, communication and teamwork skills
- Embedded functional skills (literacy, numeracy, problem solving)
- Improved self-management, attendance, and responsibility
Trusted Relationships & Supportive Boundaries
Consistent adult relationships that help young people re-establish boundaries, routines, expectations and self-belief.
Programme Delivery
Programme Delivery Structure:
- Flexible attendance model between 1 and 4 days per week, depending on need
- Delivered alongside the student’s existing commitments
- Designed as preventative, stabilisation, or transitional support
- We support both individuals and groups of young people
- High structure, high nurture
- Consistent staffing to build trusted relationships
- Clear routines and predictable environments to support regulation
To arrange an initial call to discuss how Petty Pool can support your students at risk of disengagement, contact altedadmissions@pettypool.org.uk
Get in Touch
Want to know more about Petty Pool’s Alternative Education provision? Get in touch to discuss how Petty Pool can support your learners.