Alternative Education
The Nebula Centre is open as a Forest School-based, Alternative Provision Wednesday - Friday 9:30am - 2:30pm, during term time. We support pupils in Key Stages 2 to 5 who are temporarily unable to access mainstream, or specialist education, due to social, emotional, or communication needs. Bespoke lessons are designed and delivered by Qualified Teachers and tutors, specialising in SEND provision.
Our nurturing environment, grounded in Forest School principles and trauma-informed practice, offers personalised, short to medium-term placements for pupils who need a therapeutic, calm, and natural space to re-engage with learning. We are committed to helping every young person rebuild confidence, develop life skills, and, where appropriate, return successfully to their registered educational setting.
Program Overview
Schedule
Days: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Times: 9:30am - 2:30pm
When: Term time only
Breaks: School holiday breaks included
Eligibility
Key Stages: Key Stages 2 to 5 (pupils who are temporarily unable to access mainstream, or specialist education, due to social, emotional, or communication needs)
Age Range: Ages 5-11 (Reception - Year 6)
Ofsted Requirement: Must be of statutory school age
Suitability: Children who benefit from alternative approaches
Assessment: Individual needs evaluation required
Curriculum
Approach: National Curriculum through forest school methods
Subjects: English, Maths, Science, and more
Method: Hands-on, outdoor, experiential learning
Assessment: Continuous, child-centered evaluation
Who We Support
Our alternative provision is designed for children who may benefit from a different approach to education. We work with families and local authorities to support children who:
Different Learning Needs
Children with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning differences who thrive with hands-on, movement-based learning approaches.
Social & Emotional Challenges
Children experiencing anxiety, social difficulties, or emotional challenges who benefit from smaller groups and nurturing outdoor environments.
Active Learners
Children who learn best through movement, exploration, and practical activities rather than traditional desk-based learning.
Nature Connection
Children who show a strong affinity for nature and outdoor environments, finding peace and focus in natural settings.
Our Educational Approach
Forest School Principles
Our approach is grounded in forest school philosophy, which emphasizes child-led learning, risk-taking, and connection with nature. Children develop confidence, independence, and resilience through regular outdoor experiences in our woodland setting.
Regular Sessions
Consistent outdoor learning builds familiarity and deep connection with the environment.
Child-Initiated Learning
Activities emerge from children's interests and natural curiosity about their surroundings.
Holistic Development
Focus on emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development through integrated experiences.
Risk and Challenge
Appropriate risk-taking builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness.
Curriculum Delivery
We deliver the National Curriculum through innovative, hands-on methods that make learning relevant and engaging. Academic skills are developed through meaningful, real-world applications that children can see, touch, and experience directly.
English & Literacy
- Story-telling around the fire circle
- Nature journals and outdoor writing
- Drama and role-play in natural settings
- Poetry inspired by seasonal changes
Mathematics
- Measuring trees, plots, and natural materials
- Geometry through den building and construction
- Data collection from nature observations
- Problem-solving through outdoor challenges
Science
- Hands-on experiments with natural materials
- Seasonal changes and life cycle studies
- Weather monitoring and prediction
- Physics through outdoor play and exploration
Example Day
Student arrive, breakfast provided
Students are welcomed and provided with breakfast to start the day.
Academic work time
Pupils will receive English and maths tuition alongside other activities such as therapeutic art or social and emotional intervention.
Forest School
Pupils cook and eat a campfire lunch, then choose the outdoor projects that they are interested in.
Group Enrichment Session
Activities such as sign language or other enrichment opportunities.
Reflection
Time for students to reflect on their day and learning.
Students depart
End of the school day.
Academic Support
Academic support in maths and English is done either one-to-one or one-to-two with a qualified teacher or tutor. We offer therapeutic art, sign language and a social and emotional intervention, using the language for behaviour and emotions programme, both delivered by qualified staff to encourage positive peer interaction. Pupils are encouraged and supported to prepare their own lunches, with all food provided.
Pricing
KS2 KS3 and KS4 pupils
Working in a group with a maximum ratio of one adult to four children
KS2 KS3 and KS4 pupils
Pupils needing a one to one key worker
KS5 pupils
Working in a group with a maximum ratio of one adult to three pupils with bespoke learning package
Term Dates 2025/2026
Autumn 1
Wednesday 3rd September 2025 - Friday 24th October 2025
Autumn 2
Wednesday 5th November 2025 - Friday 19th December 2025
Spring 1
Wednesday 7th January 2026 - Friday 13th February 2026
Spring 2
Wednesday 25th February 2026 - Thursday 2nd April 2026
Summer 1
Wednesday 22nd April 2026 - Friday 22nd May 2026
Summer 2
Wednesday 10th June 2026 - Friday 17th July 2026
Benefits & Outcomes
Increased Confidence
Children develop self-esteem and independence through success in hands-on challenges and recognition of their unique strengths and abilities.
Enhanced Learning
Academic skills improve through meaningful, multi-sensory experiences that make abstract concepts concrete and memorable.
Social Skills
Small group setting allows for individualized support while building cooperation, communication, and friendship skills naturally.
Emotional Wellbeing
Regular time in nature reduces stress and anxiety while building resilience, emotional regulation, and mental health.
Physical Development
Outdoor environment encourages movement, gross motor skill development, and healthy lifestyle habits through active learning.
Creative Thinking
Open-ended challenges and natural materials stimulate creativity, innovation, and flexible problem-solving approaches.
Application & Assessment Process
Initial Enquiry
For enquiries and booking, please email info@nebulacentre.co.uk We'll arrange an informal chat to understand your situation and answer questions.
Visit & Assessment
Bring your child for a taster session to experience our environment. We'll assess whether our approach suits their learning style and needs.
Meeting & Planning
Detailed discussion with parents/carers about educational goals, specific needs, and how we can support your child's development.
Trial Period
Begin with a settling-in period to ensure the placement is working well for your child, with regular check-ins and adjustments as needed.
Important Information
As an Ofsted-registered alternative provision, we work closely with local authorities and can accept children through various referral routes including parent choice, school recommendations, and local authority placements. Funding options may be available depending on your circumstances - please discuss this during your initial enquiry.
Our Team
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified teachers with forest school training
- Enhanced DBS checks for all staff
- Pediatric first aid and outdoor emergency training
- Level 3 Forest School Leader qualifications
- Experience with SEND and alternative education
- Ongoing professional development and training
Our Approach to Care
Our experienced team understands that every child is unique. We take time to build trusting relationships, understand individual needs, and celebrate each child's progress. Our low staff-to-child ratios ensure personalized attention and support.
We work collaboratively with families, maintaining open communication and involving parents/carers in their child's learning journey. Regular updates, progress meetings, and celebration of achievements keep everyone connected and informed.