Alternative Provision

These sessions are available for those who are out of school or in alternative provision.

Spend time in our Nature Nook, learning a range of nature-based skills and taking part in physical activities such as wide games, sports, and obstacle courses.

How to access

Alternative Provision (AP) sessions are for children and young people aged 5 to 16. There is no need to be registered with Diverse Abilities other services in order to attend. This group is open to all, including those without additional needs. Everyone must be accompanied by a parent or carer.

A BCP Council referral or school referral is required. These sessions run to BCP Council’s approved framework.

What to expect

During sessions you can expect to learn how to safely use and maintain various tools, including bushcraft knives, mallets, saws, and axes. Both long-term group projects and individual creations will be developed over the weeks, encouraging personal growth and teamwork.

A core part of outdoor learning is its adaptability to the needs and interests of individuals. While sessions are planned with specific activities in mind, everyone has a say in what they do. There’s also the freedom to engage in self-directed free play within the area at any time.

Sessions take place every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in (Dorset) term time, with two time options available from 9:30am until 12pm or 1pm until 3.30pm.

High standards of care

Our Outdoor Learning Lead is highly experienced in supporting children with SEN and follows all the standards our other services at The Treehouse adhere to.

• Supervision: A parent or carer must stay for the duration of each session. Adults attend free of charge. Siblings are welcome but must be booked in advance. Children must be aged between 6-18 to attend this session.
• If your child has any additional needs or medical issues, please let us know in advance so we can best support them.
• Weather & Clothing: Sessions take place in all weather conditions except in cases of unsafe high winds or thunderstorms. Please dress appropriately for the weather:
o Warm, waterproof clothing and wellies are recommended.
o In hot weather, please apply sun cream before arrival.
o Children are likely to get messy – bring a change of clothes!
o We recommend waterproof all-in-one suits or separate trousers and jackets (e.g., from Lidl), layered over warm clothing.
o Long sleeves and trousers are advised due to long grass and the possibility of ticks.
• Facilities: Toilets are available on site, including a Changing Places toilet equipped with a mobile hoist.
• Cancellations: In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a session, we will contact you as soon as possible and issue a full refund.
• Refunds: All bookings are final. We are unable to offer refunds once a session is booked unless we cancel the session ourselves.
• Risk & Challenge: The Nature Nook encourages children to explore risk in a safe, supported way. Exposure to 'risky' experiences helps build confidence, independence, and resilience. All sites are fully risk-assessed before sessions begin. We conduct:
o A daily site check
o Written risk assessments for tool use and fire procedures
• Session Style: Sessions are child-led. Children are free to explore and engage with activities as they choose. We offer a range of options, including a mud kitchen, loose parts play, and more structured activities (e.g., tool use).
Please supervise your child at all times, especially when they are using tools or engaging in higher-risk activities.
• Diverse Abilities is not liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by participants.
• Our staff will lead the scheduled activities but are not responsible for providing care or supervision. You are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of all young people under your care.