Alternative Provision (AP) is a form of bespoke education in the UK designed for young people who face barriers to participating in mainstream school. These barriers may include social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges, medical conditions, or other complex circumstances.

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Alternative provision offers a flexible, personalised approach to learning, ensuring that each young person receives the support they need to re-engage with education and make meaningful progress.

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At Best Foot Forward, we specialise in delivering 1:1 tailored tutoring and mentoring programmes that are adapted to meet individual learning styles, needs, and goals. Our approach allows us to provide targeted support that may not be possible within traditional classroom settings.

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Unlike mainstream education, alternative provision focuses on the whole child, offering specialist support for a wide range of challenges while promoting confidence, wellbeing, and long-term success.

There are many misconceptions about Alternative Provision (AP), often based on outdated stereotypes or misunderstandings about the role it plays in education.

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One of the most common myths is that alternative provision is only for “naughty” or disruptive students. In reality, AP supports a wide range of young people with diverse needs, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), mental health challenges, medical conditions, or those experiencing difficulties accessing mainstream education.

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Alternative Provision is not simply a disciplinary measure—it is a specialist, personalised approach to education designed to meet individual needs and help young people re-engage with learning in a positive way.

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Myth: Alternative Provision Lacks Academic Rigour

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Another common misconception is that alternative provision does not offer the same level of academic challenge or structure as mainstream schools.

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At Best Foot Forward, this is far from the case. We provide high-quality, tailored tutoring and mentoring, using flexible and evidence-based teaching methods that adapt to each student’s learning style. Our approach ensures that young people can make meaningful academic and personal progress.

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We also offer opportunities for students to work towards recognised qualifications, helping to support their future pathways into education, training, or employment.

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A Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment

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Our focus is on creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every young person feels understood and supported. By combining academic learning with emotional and social development, we help students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed—both now and in the future.

Yes—young people attending Best Foot Forward have the opportunity to work towards recognised qualifications as part of their personalised education programme.

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We believe it is essential that every learner can access a broad and balanced curriculum, tailored to their individual needs and future goals. Our programmes combine structured, lesson-based learning with practical, hands-on experiences to support both academic achievement and personal development.

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Qualifications and Learning Opportunities

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Students are supported to achieve Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths, providing essential foundations for further education, training, and employment.

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In addition, we offer a wide range of enriching learning experiences, including:

• Sport and physical education

• Creative subjects such as Art

• PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education)

• Digital and life skills

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This flexible and engaging approach ensures that young people can build confidence, develop key skills, and make meaningful progress in a way that works for them.

Many young people are referred to Best Foot Forward after experiencing challenges in mainstream education or being out of education for an extended period. Our alternative provision in Hampshire is designed to offer individualised support that reflects each student’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.

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A Personalised and Structured Start

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When a young person joins Best Foot Forward, they begin with a carefully planned induction period. This allows them to:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with our staff

• Settle into a new learning environment

• Share their experiences, strengths, and needs

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At the same time, our team gains a deeper understanding of the student both academically and personally, enabling us to create a tailored support plan.

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A Holistic Approach to Education and Mentoring

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We provide a wide range of educational and mentoring opportunities, giving young people access to a broad and engaging curriculum. Our support includes:

• 1:1 tutoring and personalised learning programmes

• Mentoring and emotional wellbeing support

• Community-based learning sessions

• Positive reinforcement through enrichment activities, including “treat trips”

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Building Strong Relationships and Support Networks

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Consistency is at the heart of what we do. We carefully match staff with students to ensure continuity, helping to build strong, trusting relationships. This creates a reliable support system where young people feel safe, understood, and confident.

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We also work collaboratively with external professionals, including schools, local authorities, and the wider team around the family, to ensure a joined-up approach to support.

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Supporting Long-Term Success

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By combining a range of evidence-based support strategies, we help each young person to:

• Overcome barriers to learning

• Develop confidence and resilience

• Re-engage with education

• Make meaningful academic and personal progress

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Our aim is to ensure every student is fully supported throughout their journey and equipped to succeed in their next steps.

Best Foot Forward is a fully flexible, community-based alternative education provider in Hampshire, meaning we do not operate from a fixed premises. Instead, our sessions take place in environments that best suit the needs of each young person.

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Sessions can be delivered:

• In the young person’s home (with a responsible adult present)

• Within the local community

• In the young person’s school or educational setting

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A Flexible Approach to Learning Environments

 

This flexible model allows our tutors and mentors to provide personalised, 1:1 support in spaces where young people feel most comfortable and secure. By removing the barriers of a traditional classroom setting, we can create engaging, tailored learning experiences that promote confidence and progress.

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Our approach ensures that each session is delivered in a way that supports the young person’s emotional wellbeing, engagement, and individual learning needs, helping them to make meaningful progress in a familiar and supportive environment.

At Best Foot Forward, all of our tutors hold recognised UK teaching qualifications, ensuring that young people receive high-quality, professional educational support.

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Our mentors may not always be qualified teachers; however, they bring relevant qualifications, specialist training, and extensive experience in supporting young people with a wide range of needs.

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Ongoing Training and Professional Development

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We believe that our staff are our greatest asset, which is why we invest heavily in continuous professional development (CPD). Our team receives regular training in key areas, including:

• Safeguarding and child protection

• SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

• GDPR and data protection

• Prevent duty and safeguarding responsibilities

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In addition, our staff benefit from a wide range of in-house training programmes, ensuring they remain up to date with the latest best practices in alternative education and mentoring.

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This commitment to training and development ensures that every young person is supported by a team that is skilled, knowledgeable, and fully equipped to meet their individual needs.

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