Individualised Alternative Provision Delivered Through a Recognised Forest School Approach
Nature of Learning provides bespoke Alternative Provision delivered through an authentic Forest School approach.
Nature of Learning Forest School is recognised by the Forest School Association (FSA), ensuring delivery meets nationally recognised standards for safeguarding, risk management and child-led outdoor learning.
We support children aged 5–13 who may struggle to access group activities due to autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, learning differences, significant anxiety or demand-avoidant presentations. Many require enhanced adult ratios to participate safely in outdoor environments.
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Forest School offers a predictable, nature-based setting that can be less overwhelming than busy indoor environments. Children build mastery through real responsibility — safely using tools, caring for the fire circle, exploring the stream, building dens and rope structures, observing wildlife and taking stewardship of the woodland space.
The natural world offers connection beyond performance. Children are supported to form relationships and develop confidence at their own pace within consistent, trusted adult relationships.
Provision is delivered on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis and may be commissioned by schools or Local Authorities within statutory frameworks, including Section 19 and EOTAS arrangements where applicable.
At a Glance
- 1:1 or 2:1 Forest School provision
- Ages 5–13
- Suitable for EHCP, EBSA, SEMH, anxiety, sensory differences and demand-avoidant profiles
- Monday & Thursday: 10:00–2:30 (4.5 hours)
- Friday: 12:00–2:30 (2.5 hours)
- Half-termly written report linked to personalised/EHCP outcomes
- Spot purchase (invoiced in arrears)
- Transport arranged via commissioning agreement
- Commissioned via Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex Local Authorities
What Forest School Looks Like in Practice ▼
Our woodland site includes a natural stream, fire circle and established areas for exploration, gathering and long-term projects.
Children may:
- Learn safe tool mastery
- Build rope ladders and dens
- Construct dams and small bridges
- Cook over the fire
- Engage in seasonal crafts
- Set wildlife cameras
- Inspect animal tracks
- Collect and return freshwater shrimp
- Take responsibility for woodland care and shared spaces
- Climb and explore trees within agreed safety boundaries
Children return weekly, building familiarity with place and noticing seasonal change. These experiences develop competence, agency and resilience. Mastery grows through practice and trust, not pressure.
How Inclusion Is Supported ▶
Dedicated 1:1 support enables children not only to attend safely, but to participate meaningfully within the wider Forest School community.
The consistent presence of a trusted adult:
- Supports emotional regulation
- Bridges communication differences
- Reduces social pressure
- Enables manageable peer interaction
Connection is fostered at each child’s pace. Social participation is never forced. Children are supported to be accepted as their authentic selves while gradually building confidence within a shared environment.
How Is Provision Accessed?
Provision may be commissioned as:
- Reduced timetable support
- Reintegration placement
- Complementary Alternative Provision
- Section 19 interim provision
Key points:
- Child remains on roll
- School retains statutory responsibility
- 1:1 or 2:1 staffing
- Personalised aims agreed in advance
- Half-termly written report
- Review period agreed at outset
- Invoiced in arrears
Process:
- Initial suitability discussion
- Referral information shared
- Funding route confirmed
- Planning meeting and risk assessment
- Start date agreed
- Review after agreed placement period
Provision may be commissioned where:
- A child is not accessing suitable full-time education
- Section 19 duties apply
- EOTAS is named in an EHCP
- Interim stabilisation is required pending placement
We provide:
- Individualised placement planning
- Clear attendance pattern
- Written reporting aligned to EHCP outcomes
- Contribution to Annual Review
- Agreed review cycle with caseworker
Invoices are issued in arrears to the commissioning authority.
Parents are welcome to make an initial enquiry.
Provision may be accessed via:
- School-funded placement
- Local Authority commission
- EHCP funding
- Direct parent funding (subject to availability)
Funding agreements must be confirmed prior to placement start.
Parents may request a discussion or book a visit to explore suitability.
How Is Risk Managed? ▶
Prior to placement:
- Review of EHCP and relevant documentation
- Planning discussion with commissioning body
- Identification of known risk factors
- Agreement of attendance pattern and communication pathway
Each child has an Individual Risk Reduction Plan which may include:
- Identified triggers and stress indicators
- Environmental and relational adjustments
- Clear safety boundaries
- Agreed escalation procedures
- Absconding protocol where relevant
- Defined communication pathway
Dynamic risk assessment is ongoing throughout each session.
Safeguarding & Governance ▶
- DBS-checked staff
- Designated Safeguarding Lead
- First Aid trained practitioners
- Written safeguarding and health & safety policies
- Individual risk assessments prior to start
- Ongoing communication with commissioning body
Schools commissioning Alternative Provision remain responsible for safeguarding oversight in line with statutory guidance.
Nature of Learning has been commissioned via spot purchase by Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex Local Authorities.
Provision is led by qualified Level 3 Forest School Leaders with significant SEN experience. Staff use low-arousal, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approaches grounded in current understanding of autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences and demand-avoidant profiles.
The team engage in ongoing professional development to ensure practice reflects current evidence-informed approaches.
Contact Sarah
To discuss suitability or arrange a visit:
sarah@natureoflearning.co.uk | 07944 164 983
Visits are by prior arrangement and booking.