Alternative Provision
"Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls"
We know that the education system does not suit all children, and for some it is just not accessible for various reasons. Perhaps a child cannot cope with the expectations of the classroom, has social or emotional needs that require an alternative approach or perhaps they have suffered trauma or have a mental health condition that means they need a slightly different approach to a school setting. No matter what the reason, we are here to welcome them with open arms and feel passionate that with the right approach paired with the great outdoors we can offer a tranquil and beautiful space to support them to flourish.
We can deliver an alternative and nurturing programme designed to support the child’s needs through a balance of outdoor physical activities taking place in a beautiful woodland.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our alternative provision please just send us a message and we would love to have a chat about how we may be able to help.
Alternative Provision
What our alternative provision can offer....
We appreciate that each individual child will be accessing our bespoke alternative provision for different reasons and therefore the programme will be planned and facilitated in order to support the child in the areas discussed and agreed.
Whether a child is out of school for the time being, accessing school part time or whether you are just looking for an alternative provision to compliment their current education, we are happy to discuss a variety of options and ways we can support the development of:
- Self Esteem
- Social interaction or Communication skills
- Motivation
- Perseverance or resilience
- Self-management and independence
- Trust in others
- Confidence in new locations and with new people
- Physical skill sets
- Health and fitness
If this is something you feel would suit your child or a child you work with please do send us a message and we would love to see how we can help.
Testimonials
Testimonial from a parent...
" My son attended Fireflies Alternative Provision sessions for approx 3 months while he was waiting for a specialist school due to his Special Education Needs.
I have to say I have nothing but praise for Fireflies. The ladies were brilliant with J*, they focused on a child led approach free from demands, but gentle encouragement to try new things, which was great for his self esteem and confidence.
The care and attention given to my sons needs, targets and linking his time at forest school to those targets on his EHCP, was just beyond anything I expected.
The setting itself is just incredible. The thought of my son doing any activity with a blade or fire starter was horrifying but somehow the ladies made this something that was accessible to him and something which he loves!!
Furthermore, the communication with Parents was brilliant and can’t be faulted!
He absolutely loved his sessions at Forest school, and we are all really sad they’ve come to an end now he’s started school again.
Thankyou to Jessica, Tracey and Katy for giving J* such an amazing opportunity that allowed him to thrive.
Another testimonial...
The difference this has made not only to our child's life but our whole family's life is so massive.
We were in such a dark place when J started at fireflies when a school placement broke down to the point he ended up out of school with no specialist school in place.
Fireflies took us there wing and supported not just J but also gave us as parents confidence that although we were in a bad place there was light at the end of the tunnel and that we had a lovely little boy who was just a little bit lost after being in an unsuitable environment.
Fireflies instantly saw J's strengths and used these to build his confidence and self esteem.
J started fireflies with very little confidence and self esteem and left fireflies full of confidence, thriving and his self esteem was back and this was completely down to the absolutely amazing staff at Fireflies.
The opportunities given to J were amazing and he was learning along the way and they offered many learning opportunities in the sessions.
Fireflies will always hold a space place in not just his life but ours too. The memories his made and giggles his had.
For the first time ever I can safely say he was ready for school and the next stage of his life. Fireflies helped aid the transition into specialist provision perfectly. Having fireflies run alongside the transition into the specialist school really help aid his transition to be successful and having that space to talk about the changes and the future helped the big change into school become less scary for him and made it really positive experience.
J still talks very fondly of fireflies and all the team.
Another testimonial...
I can not thank you all enough, I feel like when F first joined fireflies I was so scared about what the future would hold for us ( I still worry at times but what mother doesn’t) and now I feel like we have a future to look forward to, none of this would have been possible without every single person on your team that has worked with F, all very different personalities but every single one of you have made such a positive impact in his life.
I’m so glad that you all got to see the beautiful, funny boy he is. He has left fireflies such a different child and I’m so proud of him and everything he has achieved.
Honestly, you’ve not only helped F, but me too.
He’s changed so much but kept all the good bits . We are so grateful for everything you have all done
Between you all you have genuinely helped change our lives .
I can’t believe he isn’t coming back to you after half term, I wish he could just stay for the rest of his school years with all of you!