Everything You Need to Know to Set Up a Therapeutic Alternative Provision

This unique step-by-step guide provides everything you need to know to create a trauma-informed, sustainable and scalable alternative provision (AP) that can be incorporated into an existing primary or secondary school.

Drawing upon the "School of Solutions", a tried-and-tested, therapeutic environment for pupils finding school and life challenging, the book shows how to create an early intervention, stage not age provision that really works. Chapters include concrete guidance on the set-up, daily and weekly structure, curriculum content and tracking that can be picked up and implemented immediately. The book also considers trauma, attachment, and the role of co-regulation and emotional regulation in building a supportive and nurturing space that meets underlying SEMH needs and ensures pupils still belong to their school community. The emphasis throughout is on providing pupils with the chance to develop their own life skills, language and self-awareness to enable them to make and maintain relationships, express themselves, and become better equipped to take part in school, learning and life.

With informative and practical steps, templates and structures to set-up and run this innovative provision, the book is an essential "one stop" resource for schools, SENCOs, leaders of alternative provisions, and those looking to support all pupils and ensure they have a fair chance at positively changing the trajectory of their lives.

Tamsyn van der Meulen is a former Special School Principal. With 33 years’ experience with ages 3–17, she specialises in social-emotional and mental health needs, develops emotional curricula, leads four SoS Alternative Provisions, and champions the transformative power of relationships.

Tarcila Stein is a specialist teacher at the School of Solutions, leading on curriculum.

David Williams is Executive Director of Inclusions for The Park Academies Trust.

William Charman is a specialist teacher and Lead Teacher at the School of Solutions.