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The Nest
Alternative Provision
The Nest is Ufton’s Alternative Provision for young people in Years 1–9 who need support with the social and emotional challenges that can make school life difficult.
Through a weekly, full-day programme, we combine trusted relationships, outdoor learning and purposeful practical experiences to build confidence, strengthen connections and help young people re-engage with school.
Our team brings experience in teaching, specialist education, psychology, neuroscience, youth work and outdoor learning.
Inspired by nests in nature, The Nest offers a warm, nurturing base where young people are met with curiosity and care. Here, they can experience success, practise new skills and begin to see what they are capable of.
Our primary and secondary provision supports young people whose social, emotional and mental health needs are affecting their engagement, attendance, relationships or confidence.
This may include young people:
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on reduced timetables
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finding classroom routines difficult
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needing additional support following challenging life experiences
We work alongside schools, contributing to a wider support or reintegration plan and helping young people develop the foundations they need to participate more fully in school life.
Young people attend one full day each week for a minimum of one full term. Each group has a dedicated base and two Nest Education Leaders.
Predictable routines, shared meals and purposeful activities give young people opportunities to build relationships and practise skills throughout the day.
Placements
There are two placement pathways:
Group placements: Up to eight young people from a school or federation, accompanied by a school representative. Transport, breakfast, lunch and snacks are included.
Individual placements: Young people join a carefully matched group of four to six from different settings. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included.
Progress beyond The Nest
We work with schools to help young people carry their developing skills into everyday school life.
Assessment at the start, midpoint and end of the programme tracks progress across our three curriculum pillars. We combine observations, engagement and attendance information with feedback to identify what is changing and what support is helping.
Schools receive progress feedback, practical strategies and recommendations to build on after the programme.
Independent evaluation, including work with the University of Reading, helps us understand and strengthen our impact.
Safeguarding underpins our provision, supported by Ufton’s designated Safeguarding Team.
Learning through experience
Our approach is trauma-informed and grounded in nurture, trusted relationships and learning through experience.
We take time to understand what a young person’s behaviour may be communicating and the skills they need support to develop.
Three curriculum pillars guide our work:
Regulation and Reflection
Understanding feelings, recognising when support is needed and practising strategies to manage emotions and reflect on experiences.
Communication and Connection
Building trust, expressing needs, asking for help and developing positive relationships with adults and peers.
Possibility and Playfulness
Discovering strengths, trying new things, recovering from setbacks and finding confidence through play, creativity and exploration.
Together, these foundations help young people feel more able to manage challenges, connect with others and participate in learning.
Let’s explore what could help
Whether you are considering a group programme or support for an individual young person, the first step is a conversation.
We will discuss their needs, the support already in place and what you hope a placement could achieve.
Together, we can explore suitability, availability, costs and the referral process.
Visits can also be arranged to help you understand the setting and meet the team.
For schools
Find information about placement pathways, pricing, referrals and how we review progress together.
For parents and carers
Learn what a day at The Nest involves, how young people are supported and what to expect before they begin.
The Nest works directly with schools so if you are a parent, please ask your school to contact us directly.
