Alternative Provision Referral Process

When a young person is struggling in a mainstream school environment, it can be difficult for both parents and schools to know what support options are available.

Alternative provision can offer a more personalised learning environment for students who need something different from the traditional classroom.

At NewHeart Learning, we work closely with schools, families and local authorities to ensure every young person receives the support they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.

If you are wondering how a child can attend NewHeart Learning, this guide explains how the alternative provision referral process works.

Alternative provision is education arranged for students who may not be thriving in a mainstream school setting.

This could be due to a variety of reasons including:

• needing additional emotional or wellbeing support
• struggling in large classroom environments
• requiring a more personalised learning approach
• needing time to rebuild confidence in education

Alternative provision settings like NewHeart Learning provide smaller, more supportive environments where young people can continue their education while receiving the support they need.

There are several ways a young person can access alternative provision.

Placements at NewHeart Learning are typically arranged through:

• a referral from the student’s school
• a placement commissioned by the Local Authority
• a self-funded placement arranged by parents or carers

Each route ensures the young person receives the right support and learning plan for their individual needs.

The most common way a student joins NewHeart Learning is through a referral from their current secondary school.

Schools may commission a placement when they feel a pupil needs additional support that cannot be fully met within the mainstream classroom.

The school will usually:

• contact NewHeart Learning to discuss the pupil’s needs
• complete a referral form and share relevant information
• work with us to agree a suitable timetable and support plan

During this time, the pupil remains on the roll of their current school while attending NewHeart Learning as part of their education provision.

This allows the school and alternative provision to work together to support the young person’s progress.

In some cases, placements are arranged through the Local Authority.

This often applies to students who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or those who require specialist alternative provision.

The Local Authority or commissioning team may:

• review the young person’s needs
• consult with NewHeart Learning
• commission a placement if it is considered appropriate

We work closely with professionals and Local Authorities to ensure the placement provides the right educational and wellbeing support.

Parents and carers can also choose to self-fund a place at NewHeart Learning if they believe their child would benefit from a smaller and more personalised learning environment.

If you are considering this option, we encourage you to contact us so we can:

• discuss your child’s needs
• arrange a visit or meeting
• explore a suitable timetable and support package

Many families also choose to speak with their child’s school about the possibility of a joint placement or future commissioned support.

Every referral is carefully considered to ensure we can provide the right level of support for the young person.

Once a referral is made, we take time to:

• understand the student’s needs and circumstances
• review information shared by schools or professionals
• discuss suitable support options with families
• create a personalised learning plan

Our focus is always on helping the young person feel supported, engaged and confident in their education.

In most cases, yes.

When a placement is arranged through a school referral, the student remains on the roll of their existing school while attending NewHeart Learning.

This ensures the school remains involved in the student’s education and progress while they benefit from additional support in an alternative learning environment.

At NewHeart Learning, every student is treated as an individual.

We work closely with:

• families
• schools
• Local Authorities
• education professionals

Together, we create a personalised learning plan designed to support both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

Our goal is to help young people rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning and move forward positively in their education journey.