Alternative Provision:
A Fresh Take on Education
Futures-Essex Ltd is an approved Alternative Provision provider for Essex County Council and Southend-on-Sea City Council. We specialise in supporting young people with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and anxiety, with a team of therapeutically trained staff who bring expertise in working with neurodiverse learners.​
our method.
“learn to be”
before you can
“learn to do”
As an "unregistered" Alternative Provision, our primary aim is to facilitate the student's return to mainstream education, working in close partnership with designated schools and local authorities. We believe that a students time in an Alternative Provision should be an intervention not a destination. It is important that we offer the right support, at the right place at the right time.
​
We start by helping our students “learn to be” before they can “learn to do” because their sense of self and emotional well-being forms the foundation for all other learning. According to child development theories, such as those proposed by Jean Piaget, children first develop basic cognitive and emotional skills before they can engage in more complex tasks. This initial stage involves building trust, forming secure attachments, and developing a sense of safety and identity.
​
To support our students, we have a SENCO and Qualified Therapy staff on site for each session. All our staff offer a trauma-informed approach to their teaching, creating a safe and supportive environment that helps students overcome these barriers and thrive academically.
Our ultimate aim is to reintegrate students back into mainstream education, employment, or training, equipping them with essential life skills and qualifications for success.
Here’s why we ARE the perfect fit for you:
Personalized Learning
Unlike mainstream schools, Futures-Essex can customize teaching methods and curriculum to meet each student’s unique needs.
Smaller Classes
With smaller class sizes, we provide more individualized attention and support.
Innovative Teaching
We use engaging and creative methods like hands-on learning, project-based education, and unique tools that might not be available in traditional settings.
Inclusive Environment
We welcome students from all backgrounds and needs. Our supportive environment is better suited to address issues like behavioural difficulties, neurodiversity, or other personal challenges.
.jpeg)
Fostering Independence
We encourage learners to take ownership of their education, helping them build essential life skills like self-discipline, time management, and independent problem-solving.
Strong Community
We aim to create a close-knit community among students and staff. This supportive network can be particularly empowering for students who have struggled in larger, more impersonal school settings.
Learning Options
1
Tier 1
Targeted
Targeted support which happens in the students school or home. AP staff support school staff imbed support plans to reduce the escalation of need for an offsite placement
2
tier 2
Short Term
Short term placement within our alternative provision studio in Bicknacre. Assess young persons needs / risks and implement a plan with all stakeholders
3
tier 3 Transitional
Transitional placement for those young people who need to gain qualifications and reintegrate into a new school, further education or employment / training
“As a family, we cannot thank Futures enough. Before, we were watching our daughter disappear into a very dark place, and I felt no one was listening. From the moment we walked into Futures, everything changed — it was exactly what she needed. For the first time since playschool, she is excited to go, upset if she can’t, and her passion for learning has returned. The support and guidance we’ve received has been priceless, and we are so grateful for the safe, nurturing space Futures provides.”
Parents of I
Referrals
Futures-Essex warmly welcomes referrals from schools and local authorities across Essex and Southend.
​
As a non-school Alternative Provision (AP), we work in close partnership with commissioners to ensure young people receive the support they need to thrive. Commissioning schools and local authorities retain statutory responsibilities for admissions, attendance registers/coding, exclusions, and Children Missing Education (CME).
​
Futures-Essex provides same-day safeguarding and attendance updates to commissioners and aligns all practice with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and local safeguarding partnership arrangements.
Recognising that statutory school-specific powers (such as searching and screening) do not apply in AP settings, we adopt consent-based approaches and, where risks require, work collaboratively with the police to ensure safety and wellbeing.