Alternative Provision

Specialist support to help young people get back into learning.

About Alternative Provision

Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre and Linkenholt Countryside Adventure Centre provide a valuable learning experience for vulnerable children and young people. Our Centres can support young people who may struggle to access mainstream education, including those who face social and academic exclusion.

Under the leadership of our trained and experienced Outdoor Education Instructors, we foster a nurturing and positive environment where young people feel safe, heard and valued. Our Centres offer a place to unwind, connect with nature and experience the many positive benefits of adventure and outdoor education.

Our curriculum focuses on social, emotional, and physical development whilst emphasising the development of essential skills including resilience, motivation, self-control, confidence, and independence.

Referral Criteria

Our commitment to high-quality experiences ensures that schools, clubs, and groups can access our day activities and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young learners.

Young people can be referred to us if:

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They lack engagement in school

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Have underdeveloped life-skills

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Have low attendance and attainment

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Experience poor mental well-being and self-esteem issues

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Have anxiety

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Have a pattern of negative relationships with adults and peers

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Lack of pro-social behaviours

Summary of Provision (1-6 Week Programmes)

After conducting an initial assessment to understand the young person’s needs, interests and challenges, we offer a range of customised packages. These packages are designed to align with the individual’s requirements and desired outcomes. The subject matters and duration of these packages can vary and we collaborate closely with the young person and the commissioning partner to create a personalised and custom-built plan.

Programme Packages

The programme packages we offer include:

We can provide one-off sessions, or a multi-week programme consisting of a series of sessions. The extended format allows for more in depth exploration and progress over time. When discussing the content covered, we can delve into a variety of subjects. These may encompass:

Emergency survival skills
Navigation and signalling help
Shelter building
Campfire skills
Water collection and purification
Campfire cooking
Basic emergency first aid

For young people with an interest in history we offer a flexible range of options. These can span from a single session to a more extensive multiweek programme. Sessions are interactive, fun and educational. The content covered during these sessions encompass fascinating historical subjects, ensuring an engaging and enriching experience. Subjects include:

Stone Age Life
Ancient Britons
Romans Saxons and Vikings
Knights and Castles

For those with a passion for outdoor pursuits and adventure activities. These can be a single session to a more extensive multi-week programme. The activities covered during these sessions may include:

Climbing
Mountain Biking
Hiking and Navigation

More Information

Age Range and Target Group

Year 3 – Year 11 (7 – 16yrs)

KS2, KS3 & KS4

Pastoral Support

Our one-to-one provision is complemented by dedicated safety support from the experienced and fully trained staff at our Centres. Their expertise ensures a secure and enriching experience for all participants.

Expected Outcomes

Increased communication
Developing trust with others
Essential survival skills
Safety skills and risk taking
Developing resilience
Personal responsibility
Problem solving skills
Increased self-esteem
Managing emotions

Primary Needs Supported

Anxiety
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism
Behavioural
Social, Emotional, Mental Health Needs (SEMH)

Monitoring and Evaluation

To facilitate successful positive outcomes, young people will be supported in actively engaging in recognising and documenting their personal experiences through a reflective process, alongside building in the commissioning partners’ objectives. At our Centres, we utilise our customised progress tracker to document various aspects of each young person’s journey. This encompasses individual goals, learning objectives, accredited achievements and weekly updates.

Programme Length

Programmes can range from a one-off session or a multi-week programme of sessions. Dates and duration of programmes will be planned and agreed with the young person and the commissioning party prior to the commencement of the programme, following an initial meeting.

Dates and Times of Provision

Term time only.

Provision will available Monday to Friday, between 9am to 3pm, subject to availability.

Capacity (Number of Places)

Maximum 4 young people per week during 24-25 (38.5 weeks per annum)

(We intend to expand this provision in Year 2)

Transport Arrangements

To be arranged by referring school/agency.

Food and Refreshments

Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre prides itself on its catering being noted as an attractive and unique element of our centre. Les’s Kitchen provides a range of healthy and nutritious meals prepared by our wonderful cook Les alongside some family favourites. Home cooked and delicious.

Young people accessing morning sessions will have access to a midmorning snack (included in price)
Young people accessing afternoon sessions will have access to (and be invited to join in with) family-style lunch (included in price)

Quality Assurance Processes

We are committed to providing safe, accessible and high-quality outdoor learning and adventure activity instruction OUR Centres. We are registered with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (L130320). We offer regular feedback and communication with the referring agency, weekly update reports and end of service, pre and post evaluation reporting. We are also registered with the following accrediting organisations:

Archery GB

British Canoeing

LEAPS

National Small-bore Rifle Association

Mountain Bike Instructors Award

Mountain Training Association

Locations

Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre

Oxenwood, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3NQ

Our Wiltshire site nestles in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is steeped in interesting history, geography, and wildlife. Nearby we have excellent access to local places of interest such as the Kennet and Avon Canal, Crofton Beam Engine pumping station, Wilton Windmill and Stonehenge.

Linkenholt Countryside Adventure Centre

Linkenholt, Andover, SP11 0EA

Located just 6 miles from Oxenwood, Linkenholt Countryside Adventure Centre is situated within the beautiful setting of a 2,000-acre unspoilt varied habitat estate, where the Hampshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire borders meet in the small village of Linkenholt near Andover.

Referral Process

For more information about Alternative Provision, please contact us:

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01264 731274

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