Alternative Provision
What Makes Alternative Provision Effective for Pupils with SEMH Needs?
Download PDF File
In-School Mentoring & Coaching
Helping pupils build confidence, focus and positive routines, while staying connected to school life
Trusted by schools across Worcestershire
Newbridge School
Bridge School Malvern
Bishop Perowne
Christopher Whitehead
Newbridge School
Bridge School Malvern
Bishop Perowne
Christopher Whitehead
Some pupils want to do well, but struggle to cope with the everyday demands of school.
They may find the classroom overwhelming, lose focus easily, or react emotionally when things become difficult. Our in-school mentoring gives them a supportive space to talk, move, reflect and reset, without stepping away from school.
Delivered on school premises, sessions combine movement, mentoring and guided reflection to help pupils understand themselves better and make more positive choices in class, with peers and during learning time.
what to expect
What Mentoring Looks Like in School
Sessions take place in school, usually weekly or twice weekly, either 1:1 or in a small group. We use movement, conversation and practical tasks to help pupils think about their choices, build confidence and develop better habits.
A typical session may include:
Reconnection with learning, routines and personal goals
Walk and talk, fitness tasks, football drills to release tension and prepare to engage
Guided Mentoring Conversation
Talking about recent challenges, emotions, reactions and what could be done differently
Social and Emotional Learning
Short practical tasks that build persistence, patience and a sense of achievement
Focus and Engagement Tasks
Short practical tasks that build persistence, patience and a sense of achievement
Reflection and Next Steps
Setting small goals for the week, linked to real situations in lessons or around school
Sessions are adapted to the pupil’s needs and energy levels each day. Some sessions involve active sport. Others are calm, reflective and conversation-based. All are purposeful.
Who We Support
Pupils who:
Find it hard to stay focused, engaged or motivated
Experience frustration, anxiety or low confidence
Struggle with relationships or emotional reactions in school
Are at risk of disengagement or losing connection with learning
Would benefit from regular time with a trusted mentor in the school week
These pupils do not always need to be removed from their environment. Often, they need structured support that helps them stay in it.
impact
What Pupils Gain
Pupils begin to understand their emotions better and learn how to pause, think and respond rather than react.
They build confidence through small achievable experiences, whether through movement, conversation or problem-solving tasks.
Over time, they feel calmer, more connected to school life and more willing to make positive choices.
Most importantly, they have regular time with a consistent adult whose role is to listen, guide and help them make sense of their emotions and choices.
impact
What Schools Notice
Fewer emotional flare-ups and classroom disruptions
More settled pupils who take greater ownership of their choices
A relationship-based support option that keeps pupils in school
Clear communication on attendance and progress
Most importantly, they have regular time with a consistent adult whose role is to listen, guide and help them make sense of their emotions and choices.
delivery overview
Session Structure
Delivery
1:1 mentoring or small groups (up to 6 pupils)
Location
On school premises (indoor or outdoor space)
Session length
45 to 60 minutes
Frequency
Weekly or twice weekly
Staff
Experienced mentors trained in sport, mentoring and emotional support
Communication
Updates shared with school staff as agreed
Getting Started
1
Referral submitted
School provides initial information about the pupil.
2
Initial conversation
We discuss the pupil’s needs and agree the most suitable support.
3
Placement plan agreed
A plan is agreed with school staff to put the support in place.
4
Sessions begin
Structured sessions are delivered by qualified mentors.
5
Progress tracked
Attendance and progress updates are shared with the school.
WE ALSO OFFER
OTHER PROVISION OPTIONS
Alternative Provision (Day Placement)
10am–2pm structured daily sessions at our community hub.
Mentoring, sport, academic support and creative learning opportunities
Small group delivery (1:4 ratio)
Suitable for pupils needing additional structure outside the classroom
Includes planning, delivery, resources and reporting
Children & Teens (7-15 years)
Need support for a pupil?
We provide in-school mentoring and structured Alternative Provision.
Refer a Pupil