Alternative Provision
In 2023, we launched our alternative provision (AP) offer for young people who aren’t accessing education due to their mental health. Our AP is run by Beth, who is a qualified teacher and trainee counsellor.
An AP is an education provision outside of a school setting, usually funded by the local authority, and often offering a unique way of learning that’s engaging for young people who struggle in traditional settings.
Our AP allows the young person to engage with both therapeutic mental health support and education in a way that is kind, encouraging, and non-pressured. As well as access to counselling as part of the Hope Meadows AP, all teaching is done through equine assisted sessions, caring for the horses, and maintaining the land. We aim to equip them with the practical skills, confidence, and emotional intelligence to meet their goals, whatever they may be.
Alternative provision can be short term or long term, and at present we only offer part time placements of 1 or 2 days per week. Our AP day is 10am - 2pm, as most young people with mental health difficulties become fatigued very quickly.
We are already a recognised provider of AP with Lincolnshire County Council. For our AP to be agreed and funded by the local authority, a parent/carer will usually need to approach this through their child’s school. We can offer lots of support with this process, so please reach out if this is something that would help your child in this school year, but you’re not sure where to start.