Empowering Young Futures: Inside Storyy’s Secondary Alternative Provision Sites
This blog answers questions we are often asked by parents, schools, SENCOs, teachers and Local Authorities about what our Secondary Alternative Provision looks like.
What is Alternative Provision?
At Storyy Group, we believe every young person deserves a chance to thrive, not just in education, but in life. We know that traditional school settings do not suit everyone and for some young people, a different approach can make all the difference. That is why we created our Secondary Alternative Provision sites: to offer flexible, meaningful learning experiences that help young people reconnect, rebuild confidence, and rediscover their potential.
Our aim is simple but powerful. We want to re-engage young people who may have lost faith in education and give them a reason to believe in themselves again. We do this by providing a calm, structured environment that feels safe and supportive, where every young person can learn at their own pace and in a way that makes sense to them.
We work closely with schools, local authorities, parents and carers to ensure that every placement has a purpose. We set clear goals from the start and provide regular reviews to make sure progress stays on track. Whether a young person is returning to mainstream education, moving on to further training, or preparing for employment, our role is to bridge the gap and keep their future in focus.
Our secondary provision is built around vocational learning, SEMH support, personalised timetables and small group settings, giving each young person the tools and confidence to move forward. Every success story begins the same way, with understanding, connection and opportunity.
What session times and days do we offer?
At Storyy Group, we know that long, traditional school days are not always effective for every young person. Many of the young people we support need shorter, more focused sessions to help them re-engage with learning.
We offer up to 15 hours of education per week, delivered across five sessions of three hours each.
Our sessions run at two flexible times to suit individual needs:
Morning sessions: 8:45 am to 11:45 am
Afternoon sessions: 12:15 pm to 3:15 pm
This structure combines consistency with flexibility. It helps young people stay engaged and motivated, while also allowing space for wellbeing, mentoring and movement. We focus on quality learning rather than long hours, making every session purposeful and productive.
Where are each of the venues based?
We currently deliver our secondary Alternative Provision across three dedicated venues, each designed to support different interests and learning styles. We understand that one size does not fit all, and each young person deserves an environment that feels right for them.
Finchampstead: Where Creativity Meets Confidence
Our Finchampstead venue focuses on creativity and expression. Here, young people can explore design, textiles, hair and beauty, developing both technical skills and confidence. These subjects encourage attention to detail, communication and perseverance, all vital skills for the future.
Every creative project gives young people a sense of pride and ownership. They learn that creativity is not just artistic expression but a pathway to future employment and independence.
Birch Hill: Sport, Strength and Self-Belief
Our Birch Hill site is where learning happens through movement. This sports-based environment offers boxing and gym sessions that build confidence, self-discipline and resilience.
Through fitness, teamwork and mentoring, young people learn to manage emotions, set achievable goals and take pride in their progress. Many rediscover motivation here, finding purpose and structure through physical activity.
Trades: Skills for Real-World Success
Our Trades site is perfect for young people who thrive through practical experience. We provide hands-on learning in scaffolding, plastering and gardening, helping young people gain real insight into the world of work.
This site bridges education and employment, offering transferable skills like teamwork, time management and problem-solving. For many, this is where education begins to make sense again, when they can see their progress, feel proud of their work and picture a career path ahead.
What does each Alternative Provision venue offer?
Each venue has a unique focus but they all share one goal to help young people succeed.
Across our secondary provision, we deliver:
- Practical skills that connect directly to real opportunities.
- Confidence building through encouragement, structure and achievement.
- Purposeful learning that helps young people develop personal and professional skills.
Our sites are real, active environments, not classrooms. They are places where young people can feel comfortable, inspired and motivated to move forward.
What does a timetable look like for a young person?
Every young person’s timetable is designed around their individual goals and needs.
A standard Storyy timetable includes six 30-minute sessions, with regular movement breaks to support concentration and wellbeing. Within this framework, we personalise the day based on interests, learning targets and emotional support needs.
Some young people need more mentoring and SEMH support, while others thrive on vocational sessions or creative work. Every timetable is created in partnership with schools, parents and local authorities to ensure it aligns with the young person’s long-term plan.
We welcome visitors to our sites to see how we work in practice. Our Site Managers are always happy to walk schools and families through our timetables, explain our approach and show how we tailor learning to each young person.
How long can each placement last?
Our placements begin at a minimum of six weeks. This timeframe allows young people to settle in, build trust and start achieving measurable progress.
After the first six weeks, we hold review meetings with the referring school or Local Authority. These meetings help everyone stay informed, celebrate successes and make any necessary adjustments.
Placements can be extended if continued progress is being made. Every placement has a clear purpose, whether that is reintegration into school, transition to college, or preparation for employment or training.
Our review process ensures that each young person’s journey remains focused and that we remain the right provision for their needs.
What is our staff to young person ratio?
Relationships are at the heart of what we do. We keep our groups small so that every young person receives personal attention and consistent support.
Our standard staff-to-young person ratio is 1:3, which allows for close supervision, positive relationships and individualised teaching. For young people who need extra support, we offer 1:1 provision.
Our team includes experienced teachers, vocational instructors and mentors, all of whom share the same goal, to help young people rebuild confidence, rediscover a love of learning and prepare for a brighter future.
Are we OFSTED registered?
Our Secondary Alternative Provision is not OFSTED registered, but we operate with the same level of care and professionalism expected by schools and Local Authorities.
We have strong systems in place for safeguarding, quality assurance and student wellbeing. Our practice is reviewed regularly, and we work in close partnership with referring agencies to ensure our provision remains safe, effective and high quality.
Every decision we make is guided by our values, integrity, care and accountability. These are the standards that underpin everything we do at Storyy.
Although we are not OFSTED registered, we are included on the approved providers lists for several Local Authorities, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining trusted partnerships and high standards.
We are registered with the following Local Authorities:
- Bracknell Forest LA
- RBWM – Achieving for Children
- Hampshire
- Wokingham
- Reading SEN
- Oxfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
The power of Alternative Provision
Alternative Provision changes lives. It offers young people a second chance to reconnect with learning and a safe space to build confidence and purpose.
At Storyy Group, we see transformation every single day. Young people arrive uncertain about themselves and leave proud, skilled and hopeful. For many, this is the first time they have been understood and supported in a way that works for them.
We believe that engagement must come before education, that learning should be practical and relevant, and that progress happens best through partnership with schools, parents and local authorities.
Why do schools and families choose Storyy Group?
Schools and families choose Storyy because we deliver what matters: compassion, structure, creativity and accountability.
We do not see Alternative Provision as a last resort. We see it as an opportunity to build brighter futures. Every young person who joins us is given a space to grow, to learn and to thrive in a way that feels achievable and inspiring.
At Storyy Group, we are proud of the difference we make. We do more than provide education, we provide opportunity, connection and hope. We empower young people to believe in themselves again and to move forward into a future they can be proud of.
