For young people who need a different route into learning, confidence and connection
When a young person is finding it difficult to access education, the answer is not always more pressure.
Sometimes they need a safer space.
A creative route in.
A trusted adult.
A way to communicate before they are expected to perform, explain or cope.
We help schools, SENCOs and local authority teams create targeted, EHCP-informed Alternative Provision around the sound person's needs, voice and next steps.
Approved NNC Alternative Provision Provider
Alternative Provision at a glance
For professionals looking for the right next step
Alternative Provision for schools, SENCOs, local authority teams and professionals.
Built around the young person
Support can focus on confidence, communication, regulation, learner. voice, EHCP outcomes and transition.
A clear referral process
Share the information. We review the need. Then we recommend a personalised provision plan.
Looking for EOTAS support?
This page is for schools, SENCOs, local authority team and professionals looking for Alternative Provision.
If you are a parent or carer exploring EOTAS support, this is a separate route. You may need to speak with your child's school, EHCP caseworker or local authority team.
When the usual route is not working
Some young people cannot access learning in the way others can.
Not because they are not capable.
Not because they do not have potential.
Not because they do not deserve opportunity.
But because the current environment, expectations or approach may not be meeting their needs.
They may need time to feel safe.
They may need help to communicate what they feel.
They may need creativity before formal learning.
They may need trust before engagement.
Alternative Provision should not be about filling time.
It should help the young person take the next small step towards regulation, communication confidence and meaningful engagement.
This is where BHVA can help.
Who Alternative Provision can support
Some young people need more than a standard timetable or setting can offer.
They may be capable, creative and full of potential, but still finding it difficult to access learning, communicate safely, regulate emotions or take part in school life.
BHVA's Alternative Provision may be suitable when a young person needs a small, calmer or more creative route into engagement.
Every referral is reviewed individually, because the right support starts with understanding the young person in front of us.
Barriers to engagement
Finding it difficult to attend, access or stay connected with learning.
Communication needs
Needing support to express feelings choices, ideas or needs safely.
Transition support
Preparing for the next setting, stage, pathway or step.
Emotional regulation
Finding it difficult to recognise, manage or recover from big feelings.
Social isolation
Needing a supported way to build trust, confidence and connection.
EHCP-linked support
Working towards agreed outcomes through a creative, personalised route.
Targeted intervention, not a one-size fits all timetable
BHVA's Alternative Provision is not full-day childcare.
It is not a general afternoon activity.
It is not a fixed programme that every young person has to fit into.
It is a targeted creative intervention, planned around the young person's needs, agreed outcomes and next steps.
For some young people, that may begin with regulation and trust.
For other, it may include awards, qualifications, social confidence or transition support.
The starting point is always the same:
What does this young person need in order to take the next step?
Creative Alternative Provision shaped around the young person
Alternative Provision at BHVA can include different routes, depending on the young person's needs, interests and outcomes.
1:1 creative intervention
Individual support to build trust, confidence, regulation and engagement through creative activity.
Arts-based learning
Using music, art, drama, movement or creative projects as a route into expression, communication and learning.
EHCP-informed support
Connecting sessions to agreed outcomes, school priorities, professional goals and the young person's needs.
Awards and qualification pathways
Recognising progress through AQA Unit Awards where appropriate, with Level 2 Music available for learners ready for a structured qualification route.
Post-16 and PfA support
Supporting older learners with confidence, communication, independence, self-expression and preparation for adulthood outcomes.
Connect Group
A referral-only creative group supporting social confidence, communication and connection for young people accessing AP, EOTAS or another agree support route.
What Alternative Provision can look like
Most people begin with 1:1 support.
Sessions are usually:
1-2 hours at a time
1-2 times per week
based at BHVA Studios
shaped around the young person's needs, interests and outcomes
adapted using creativity, structure and reflection
Where needed, provision can also be considered within school settings.
Some young people may begin with very small steps.
Coming into the room.
Choosing an activity.
Working alongside an adult.
Communicating what they need.
Finishing one task.
trying again next time.
Others may be ready to work towards awards, qualifications, social group participation or transition back into wider settings.
The aim is not to force a young person into a fixed model.
The aim is to create the conditions where they can begin to engage.
What progress can look like
Progress in Alternative Provision does not always look like one big breakthrough.
It may look like a young person staying in the room for longer.
Making a choice.
Using words, movement, music or art to express something important.
Accepting support.
Completing a small award.
Preparing for another setting.
Feeling safe enough to try.
BHVA supports young people to move towards:
Regulation
Finding safer ways to understand, express and manage feelings.
Communication
Building confidence to share choices, needs, ideas and emotions.
Confidence
Developing trust, self-belief and the confidence to try.
Self-expression
Using creativity to explore thoughts, feelings, identity and experience.
Learner voice
Helping the young person's voice be seen, heard and understood.
EHCP outcomes
Supporting progress towards agreed education, health and care outcomes.
Awards and next steps
Accessing AQA Unit Awards, Level 2 Music pathways or preparation for future learning where appropriate.
Transition
Supporting the young person as they move towards school, care settings, community opportunities or the next stage of their journey.
Choose the right next step
There are two main ways to explore Alternative Provision through BHVA.
AP Referral
For schools, SENCOs, local authority teams and professionals looking to refer a young person for targeted creative Alternative Provision.
This route is used when BHVA needs to review the young person's needs, EHCP outcomes, support requirements and next steps before creating a personalised proposal.
Provision may include 1:1 creative intervention, AQA Unit Awards, preparation for adulthood support, or Level 2 Music where appropriate.
Connect Group
For young people who are ready to build social confidence and communication in a supported creative group setting.
Connect Group can sit alongside Alternative Provision, EOTAS or another agreed support route. It is referral-only and suitability is reviewed before a place is considered.
Not sure which route is right?
Start with Ask About Suitability and we can help you identify the most appropriate next step.
A clear AP referral process
Professionals often need to know what will happen before a young person starts.
Our referral process is designed to make the next step clear.
If you are referring specifically for Connect Group, please use the separate Youth Group Referral form so we can review group suitability, safeguarding and readiness for supported interaction.
1. Share the referral information
Tell us about the young person, their current context, support needs and hoped-for outcomes
2. Upload supporting documents
This may include an EHCP, risk assessment, behaviour support plan, safeguarding plan, attendance information or professional reports.
3. We review suitability
Beccy and Lindsey review the information to understand whether BHVA is the right fit and what support may be appropriate.
4. We ask for more context if needed
If anything needs clarifying, we will speak with the referrer or relevant professional.
5. You receive a proposal
The proposal outlines the recommended support, suggested structure, intended outcomes and weekly rate.
6. Provision begins once agreed
Once approved, we confirm start arrangements, communication routes and review expectations.
Trusted creative provision for different routes into learning
Support that helps professionals create safer, clearer next steps for young people who need a different route.
Approved AP Provider
NNC-approved Alternative Provision support.
Built Around Outcomes
Linked to EHCPs, goals and next steps.
Safer Support
Needs, risks and context reviewed first.
Creative Routes In
Using arts to support engagement.
Young Person First
Support shaped around their voice.
Small Steps Count
Progress recognised where appropriate.
Qualification Pathways
AQA awards, LAMDA and Level 2 Music options.
Clear Communication
Proposal, review and reporting agreed.
Trusted by Professionals
Working with schools and local authority teams.
Small steps can still be significant steps
Every young person's journey looks different.
The most meaningful progress is often seen in the small steps: staying longer, communicating more clearly, accepting support, trying again, or feeling safe enough to take part.
Alternative Provision FAQs
Who can make an Alternative Provision referral?
AP referral are usually made by schools, SENCOs, local authority teams or other professionals involved in supporting the young person.
Can parents or carers enquire about Alternative Provision?
Yes. Parents and carers can ask questions, but official AP referrals usually need to come through the school, EHCP caseworker, local authority team or relevant professional.
If a parent is looking for EOTAS support, this is a separate route and they should visit our EOTAS page.
Is Alternative Provision the same as EOTAS?
No. Alternative Provision and EOTAS are different routes.
This page is focused on Alternative Provision for schools, SENCOs, local authority teams and professionals. EOTAS support has its own page and referral process.
What age groups do you support?
BHVA can support EYFS, primary, secondary and post-16 learners, depending on needs, suitability and the agreed provision.
Where does BHVA Alternative Provision take place?
Most AP support takes place at BHVA Studios. School-based delivery can be considered where needed.
How long are Alternative Provision sessions?
Session are usually 1-2 hours at a team, 1-2 times per week. This depends on the young person's needs, outcomes and the agreed proposal.
Is this full-day provision?
No. BHVA's AP is targeted intervention. It is not full-day childcare or general afternoon activity provision.
Can sessions link to EHCP outcomes?
Yes. Provision can be shaped around EHCP outcomes, school targets, professional priorities, learner interests and regulation needs.
Can young people work towards awards?
Yes, where appropriate. Young people may be able to work towards AQA Unit Awards.
Some learners may also be suitable for Level 2 Music, LAMDA qualifications, or other Music/Theatre Awards.
Do you show pricing on the website?
No. AP support is proposal-based because each young person's needs, timetable and outcomes are different.
Once BHVA has reviewed the referral and supporting information, we will create a proposal that includes the recommended support and weekly rate.
What documents are useful for a referral?
Useful documents may include an EHCP, risk assessment, behaviour support plan, safeguarding plan, medical information, attendance data or previous reports.
Is the AP Youth Group open access?
No. The AP Youth Group is referral-only and would usually be included as part of an agreed proposal.
Need to discuss Alternative Provision?
If you are a school, SENCO, local authority team or professional looking for targets creative Alternative Provision, the first step is to start a referral or ask us about suitability.
We will review the young person's needs, supporting information and intended outcomes before recommending the right next step.
Beccy Hurrell Voice & Arts Limited is registered in England. Company No: 13263202. Registered office: 10 Kirby Street, Kettering, NN15 5GR