ALTERNATIVE PROVISION

Alternative Provision That Starts With The Young Person

Helping Children and Young People Reconnect, Re-engage and Thrive

At Wildforge Outdoors, formally Adventure Pirate we provide highly personalised Alternative Provision and mentoring programmes for children and young people who are unable to access traditional education environments.

We understand that many of the young people referred to us have experienced repeated barriers to education, including anxiety, autism, ADHD, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), social and emotional difficulties, trauma, unmet special educational needs, exclusion, placement breakdowns, attendance difficulties and challenges with trust and relationships.

Our approach is different.

Rather than expecting a young person to fit into a programme, we build a programme around the young person.

Every intervention begins with relationship building, understanding interests, identifying strengths and creating opportunities for success.

Our goal is simple:

To help every young person feel safe, valued, understood and capable of making progress.

Person with long hair prepares to throw an axe at wooden targets in a fenced outdoor area.

Children in a wooded area practicing axe throwing at wooden targets.

Person in red jacket at outdoor wooden shack with menu and trees.

Group of children and an adult holding sticks in a forest setting, smiling towards the camera.

Who We Support

We work with children and young people aged 5-18 who may be:

Out of education
At risk of exclusion
Permanently excluded
Experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Diagnosed with ADHD
Awaiting assessment or diagnosis
Experiencing anxiety or low self-esteem
Struggling with social interaction and friendships
Finding mainstream environments overwhelming
Educated through EHCP provision
Receiving support through SEN Support
Accessing Education Other Than At School (EOTAS)
Requiring bespoke mentoring provision
Needing a gradual pathway back into education

What Makes Us Different

Relationships Come First

Many young people referred to alternative provision have experienced multiple placement breakdowns.

Often this happens because adults move too quickly into education-focused interventions before trust has been established.

We understand that meaningful progress starts with connection.

Our mentors take time to build genuine, trusting relationships through shared interests, consistency and positive experiences.

We meet young people where they are emotionally and developmentally.

We Do Not Believe One Size Fits All

Every programme is individually designed.

Support can include:

Home-based mentoring
Community-based mentoring
Outdoor learning
Nature-based activities
Animal-focused experiences
Creative projects
Arts and crafts
Confidence-building activities
Life skills development
Social communication support
Emotional regulation work
Community engagement
Independence skills
Transition support

Activities are selected around the young person’s interests, needs and EHCP outcomes.

Beyond Traditional Alternative Provision

Whilst many providers focus heavily on classroom-based learning, our programmes are designed to engage young people who often struggle with conventional educational approaches.

Many of our young people respond best to:

Outdoor Activities
Including:

Woodland walks
Nature exploration
Beach visits
Environmental projects
Bushcraft activities
Wildlife observation
Gardening projects
Conservation activities
Community exploration

These experiences provide natural opportunities to develop confidence, communication, resilience and emotional regulation.

Creative and Practical Activities
Including:

Arts and crafts
Model building
Design projects
Photography
Creative technology
Problem-solving challenges
Practical construction activities
Project-based learning

Young people often find success through practical experiences where they can demonstrate strengths that may not be visible within a classroom environment.

Specialist SEND Understanding

Our team has experience supporting young people with:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
PDA profiles
Anxiety disorders
Emotional regulation difficulties
Sensory processing differences
Dyslexia
Social communication needs
School-based trauma
EBSA
SEMH needs

We understand that behaviours are forms of communication and that every intervention must be flexible, responsive and neurodiversity-affirming.

EHCP Outcomes and Evidence of Progress

We recognise that schools, local authorities and parents need to see measurable progress.

Our provision can contribute towards outcomes relating to:

Emotional wellbeing
Attendance readiness
Social communication
Independence
Community engagement
Self-confidence
Emotional regulation
Sensory regulation
Relationships with trusted adults
Engagement with learning
Preparation for educational transitions

Regular reports can be provided detailing:

Engagement levels
Attendance
Activities completed
Progress against agreed targets
Areas of development
Recommendations for next steps

Flexible Delivery

Provision can take place:

At home
Within the community
At agreed venues
In outdoor environments
Across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Through a blended approach

Programmes can be delivered from a few hours per week to intensive packages depending on need and funding arrangements.

Working Together

We regularly work alongside:

Schools
SENCOs
Local Authorities
SEND Teams
EHCP Coordinators
Educational Psychologists
Inclusion Teams
Social Workers
Family Support Teams
Parents and Carers

Our collaborative approach ensures consistency and helps create sustainable long-term outcomes.

Why Referrers Choose Us

✓ Relationship-led approach
✓ Highly personalised programmes
✓ SEND-informed practice
✓ Experienced mentors
✓ Flexible delivery model
✓ Outdoor and practical learning opportunities
✓ Home and community-based provision
✓ Clear communication with professionals
✓ Progress monitoring and reporting
✓ Focus on wellbeing, confidence and engagement
✓ Support for some of the most difficult-to-engage young people

Make a Referral

Whether you are a school, SENCO, local authority professional, social worker, parent or carer, we would be happy to discuss how we can support a young person.