ZEN Alternative Provision
A therapeutic, sensory-informed alternative provision for children who need something different.
ZEN is a part-time, therapeutic alternative provision designed for children and young people who struggle to access mainstream education due to anxiety, emotional needs, sensory processing differences, trauma, neurodivergence, or challenges with regulation.
Our Approach
We offer a nurturing, calm and predictable environment where pupils can develop emotional safety, confidence and readiness to learn alongside a school education.
Therapeutic
Sensory Led
Trauma Informed
Neurodiverse affirming
At ZEN, we specialise in providing personalised, tailored support for children and young people who may be experiencing but not limited to:
- Anxiety or emotionally-based school avoidance
- Difficulty coping in busy or high-demand environments
- Autism/ADHD (diagnosed or awaiting assessment)
- Sensory processing challenges
- Dysregulation or behavioural communication
- Struggles with self-esteem or confidence
- Low attendance or part-time timetables
- Trauma or attachment needs
We welcome young people with or without an EHCP.
What We Offer
We work in partnership with all agencies including the school and SENDCos, parents/carers and any other professionals involved to collaboratively meet the needs of each child/young person. We do this by working towards outcomes within the following areas:
Therapeutic Sessions
- Emotional regulation sessions
- Sensory exploration & sensory integration activities
- Trauma-informed mentoring
- Mindfulness and grounding techniques
- Creative therapies (art, crafts, music, story-based work)
- Animal therapy
Regulation & Sensory Support
- Fully equipped sensory rooms
- Movement-based sessions
- Weighted/pressure supports & fidget tools
- Low-arousal spaces
Skill-Building Opportunities
- Social and communication skills
- Strengths-based tasks
- Gentle group interaction (when appropriate)
- Confidence and resilience building
- Chance to receive inhouse certificates for acheivements
School Partnership
- Regular communication with SENCOs & DSLs
- Progress updates every 6–8 weeks
- Support with reintegration/back-to-school planning
Learning Spaces
ZEN Alternative Provision is based in an award winning, purpose built sensory and wellness centre. Because of this, ZEN has many learning spaces depending on the session to ensure that not only the needs of the young person are met, but that they thrive!
A great space for table based activities including arts and crafts and sheet work whilst in a cosy, home like environment.
The main room for activities including discussions, group work, mindfulness, animal therapy. With seating areas, sensory integration areas and drawers full of fidget items to help engage.
The most energetic Sensory room used to burn energy through rebound therapy and team games.
The most stimulating sensory room, used as a space to deescalate and also great for sensory exploration. This room is fantastic for those who require more sensory input than others.
Smallest of the sensory rooms which is a fully immersive Ocean Room. Used mainly for sensory decompression and relaxation for a couple of people at a time.
Alternative relaxation space used for larger groups. Used also for mindfulness.
