Alternative Provision Learning Centre

Our Offer

New Leaf Centre supports young people aged 11-17 and provides personalised alternative provision to holistically support young with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) or Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMH), for a maximum of 17 hours a week. Some learners find they are unable to reach their potential in a mainstream setting and simply cannot cope in a classroom environment. The use of successful alternative provisions find that these young people thrive in more therapeutic surroundings and benefit from participating in animal assisted projects.

Animals

Animal Assisted Therapy

Our animals play a very important role in supporting learners' who may need a therapeutic environment to overcome difficulties.

Interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve mood, creating a conducive environment for learning. Additionally animals can serve as non-judgemental companions, fostering emotional connections and enhancing social skills.

For individuals who struggle with traditional educational settings, the presence of animals can offer a unique and engaging way to build confidence, self-esteem, and communication.

Education

Holistic Learning Approach

As an ASDAN approved centre, we deliver Personal Development Programmes, Short Courses, Accredited Curriculm Programmes, Regulated Qualifications, and Functional Skills in English and Mathematics.

Each learner follows a bespoke, individualised programme built around their strengths, needs and aspirations. Our curriculum is designed to increase engagement, build confidence and support meaningful progression.

We focus on measurable, meaningful targets and regular review to evidence progress across academic achievment, independence and emotional development. Therapeutic intervention is embedded within each learner's journey, ensuring social, emotional and mental health needs are supported alongside educational attainment.

Wellness

Promoting Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

We adopt a strengths-based approach, building positive relationships and creating a safe environment where young people feel secure, valued and ready to engage in learning.

Therapeutic support is embedded within our provision. Weekly occupational therapy sessions form part of each learner’s individual programme, supporting sensory regulation, emotional development, functional independence and access to learning. This integrated model ensures therapeutic intervention complements educational progress.

Our Personal Development Programmes (PDP) further support wellbeing by:

Building confidence and helping learners recognise personal strengths
Encouraging ownership of learning
Recognising achievement through meaningful accreditation and certification

This holistic approach ensures that mental health, personal growth and educational achievement are developed alongside one another.