Alternative Provision
Our alternative provision (AP) offer is for young people who aren’t accessing full-time education due to their mental health. This offers a unique way of learning outside of a traditional setting. We offer 1 or 2 days AP per week for secondary school age children, for primary age children we offer 1 or 2 hours on a Tuesday.
Our AP Lead is Beth (qualified teacher and counsellor), supported by Georgie (AP Practitioner).
Our ethos is therapeutic first, educational second. Children cannot learn if their wellbeing is compromised and much of our early work is helping them to feel safe and comfortable in our environment, before working towards EHCP/EOTAS goals. We currently offer the ABRS+ rosettes and stable management awards, which can be completed as part of the provision.
At Hope Meadows we work from the belief that change starts through secure, trusting relationships with others. Each AP day starts with the horses, to support a calm, grounded transition into the environment. From there, a variety of activities can take place. Once a young person is ready for learning, we encourage them to take ownership of projects that they genuinely care about and are interested in.
Last year our group renovated the garden, transforming it from an overgrown, unusable space into a thriving area for growing fruit and vegetables which they then sold. This year's cohort have been learning to implement positive reinforcement training to support the horses with their physiotherapy strengthening exercises. Regardless of their interests, we aim to equip young people with the practical skills, confidence, and self-awareness to meet their goals, whatever they may be.
Through the AP, children can also receive Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Riding, this can be discussed upon setting up the provision.
Alternative provision can be short term or long term, and at present we only offer part time placements. Our AP days are Tuesday 10am - 2pm and Thursday 11.30am - 3.30pm.
We are a recognised provider of AP with Lincolnshire County Council. All of our team are DBS clear and safeguarding trained. Our policies and records are readily available on request.