Alternative Provision
We use a tailored physical, emotional and educational programme to mentor young people, stretch their thinking and rebuild motivation, helping them grow in confidence and prepare for their next educational setting. Storyy Group delivers this support across our provisions in Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Buckinghamshire, working in partnership with schools and local authorities to create meaningful, lasting progress.
What we do
We work with local authorities, schools, teachers, parents and social care professionals across Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Buckinghamshire to engage young people in learning and put them on the path to an incredible future. By tapping into each young person’s interests, we build stronger relationships and sustain engagement for longer, giving them the best possible chance to thrive through bespoke, individualised programmes.
What we do
Partnerships: We work with local authorities, schools, teachers, parents, and social-care institutes to create the right pathways for young people.
Engagement: We connect with children through their interests using tailored programmes to help them engage and learn.
Assemblies: We provide in-school assemblies to educate on knife crime, anti-bullying, LGBTQIA+ sexual health and other topics.
Group Projects: We create customised projects like dance workshops, group boxing, 1:1 boxing, and teacher workshops.
Mentoring: We provide mentoring at our venues or through outreach sessions, available for individual students in morning or afternoon sessions.
Assessment: We evaluate each student’s needs and assign them to mentor packages: 12-Week Reintegration, Awaiting Placement, Training & Qualification Pathway, SEMH Placement, Outreach & Respite.
End goal: We want to equip students with new skills to help them transition back to mainstream schooling.
Who is it for?
Primary Alternative Provision
Our primary-aged Alternative Provision, Storyybrook, supports children aged 5–11, providing a safe, nurturing and creative environment where they can re-engage with learning and thrive. Set up to meet a wide range of needs, the provision blends academic support, emotional wellbeing and social development through personalised programmes and workshops. Our dedicated Behaviour Mentors work closely with each child to build confidence, resilience and independence, helping them rediscover a love for learning. This holistic approach consistently leads to improved attendance, stronger self-regulation and positive progress towards future success.
Secondary Alternative Provision
Our secondary-aged Alternative Provision supports young people aged 11–16, offering a dynamic and supportive environment where they can reconnect with education and prepare for their next steps. Our experienced Behaviour Mentors provide tailored guidance that nurtures personal growth and independence, helping students form positive relationships and see their potential. By focusing on all aspects of development, young people gain resilience and self-belief, preparing them for successful progression into further education, careers, or vocational training.
Our Alternative Provision Sites
Designed with love and care, our unique settings offer an energetic, safe, productive environment for our young people.
Alternative Provision Term Dates
Spring Term 2026
- Starts: Monday 5th January
- Half term: Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February
- Easter Holidays: Monday 30th March to Friday 10th April
- Ends: Friday 27th March
Summer Term 2026
- Starts: Monday 13th April
- Half term: Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May
- Bank Holidays: Monday 4th May and Monday 25th May
- Ends: Wednesday 22nd July
Autumn Term 2026
- Starts: Wednesday 2 September (INSET day Tuesday 1 September)
- Half term: Monday 26th October to Friday 30th October
- Christmas Holiday: Monday 21st December to Friday 1st January
- Ends: Friday 18th December
Natalie Lee, Managing Director, South East
Natalie is the Managing Director for our Berkshire Alternative Provision sites and plays a key role in shaping the positive impact the organisation has on the lives of young people. With a deep passion for supporting students in Alternative Provision settings, Natalie is dedicated to ensuring that every young person who walks through the door is met with opportunity, encouragement, and the tools they need to thrive.
She works closely with schools, professionals, and wider support networks to build strong, collaborative relationships that drive the best possible outcomes. Natalie is committed to creating meaningful change, championing each young person’s potential and helping them discover the right path for their individual journey. Her approach is both strategic and compassionate, with a clear focus on empowering young people to grow in confidence, re-engage with education, and take bold steps toward a brighter future.
Louise Sullivan, Managing Director, South Central
Louise brings over 20 years of experience in education, having worked in senior and strategic leadership roles across both mainstream and specialist settings. Throughout her career she has focused on supporting vulnerable children and young people who may be at risk of exclusion, working to create environments where they feel understood, supported and able to rebuild confidence in their education.
Before joining Storyy Education in early 2026, Louise founded and led a nature-based Alternative Provision across Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire for five years. Her work combines a strong interest in research-informed practice, including Applied Educational Neuroscience, SEMH and trauma, with a commitment to creating inclusive environments where children with SEND can reconnect with learning and thrive.
Successful outcomes
Everything we do is geared towards a successful outcome for the young people in our care. Whilst each plan is tailored to the individual, here are some of the typical outcomes our alternative provision achieves.
Improved Learning Outcomes
By offering personalised learning approaches, smaller class sizes, and specialised teaching methods, our alternative provision helps improve academic performance. We see an increase in attainment levels, better grades, and a greater sense of accomplishment for students.
Enhanced Social and Emotional Well-being
We recognise the importance of nurturing our young people’s social and emotional development. Through targeted interventions, mentoring, and therapeutic support, our young people develop essential life skills, resilience, and emotional well-being. This outcome can lead to improved self-confidence, better relationships with peers and adults, and a greater sense of belonging.
Increased Engagement and Attendance
Our settings provide an environment that is more conducive to engaging and motivating students who may have struggled within mainstream education settings. By offering a curriculum that aligns with their interests and needs, our alternative provision re-engages young people in learning, leading to increased attendance rates, reduced truancy, and a renewed enthusiasm for education.
Successful Transition into Further Education or Employment
One of our key objectives is to prepare our young people for their future pathways. By offering vocational training, work experience opportunities, and careers guidance and apprenticeships, our alternative provision can support young people in making successful transitions into further education, employment, or training. This outcome contributes to their long-term prospects, increases their employability, and sets them on a positive trajectory for their future.
Meet the team
Duncan Foster
AP Manager & DDSL (South West)
Rebecca Freeman
Managing Director & DSL (South West)
Rachel Ingram
Behaviour Mentor & DDSL
Connor Clarke
Birch Hill Site Manager & DSL
Lauren Byrne
Storyybrook (Primary) Site Deputy Manager & DDSL
Louise Sullivan
Managing Director & DSL (South Central)
Charlotte Turner
Finchampstead Site Manager & DSL
Jimmy Jackson
Secondary AP Manager & DDSL
Lee Barefoot
Community Engagement & Outreach Manager (DDSL)
Charlie Ewing
Learning and Mentoring Lead
Kelly Eddy
Storyybrook (Primary) Site Manager & DSL
Martin Wiggins
Trades Provision Manager & DSL
Charlotte Linsell
Assistant Operations & Compliance Manager (DDSL)
Natalie Lee
Managing Director & Head of Safeguarding (South East)
Testimonials
Safeguarding
We take our approach to safeguarding very seriously. Meet Rebecca and her team to find out more.
Policies
We have a range of policies and procedures ranging our alternative provision, residential care and training areas of the business.
We place children before profits.
Alongside Alternative Provision, we also offer safe, homely high-quality Supported Accommodation (16+) and Children’s Homes. We have designed bespoke care packages to meet the needs of our young people, in a wholesome, holistic manner. We make a difference to the lives of young people in care, helping them to reach their potential and transition into adulthood.