A Devon group has revamped its alternative education provision.

The Outdoors Group has renamed its Transitional Learning Programme as the Alternative Outdoor Provision (AOP).

This change is part of a broader effort to make the programme more accessible and understandable for parents and educators.

The AOP provides support to learners who need time away from their main educational setting.

Nigel Stanley Nigel Stanley (Image: The Outdoors School)

This includes one-to-one or small group sessions in a woodland environment.

The majority of these learners are neurodiverse young people, those who have experienced trauma, or individuals with social, emotional, or mental health needs.

The overhaul of the provision was led by Nigel Stanley, who joined the group as a senior leader earlier this year.

Mr Stanley said: "I’m passionate about supporting neurodivergent young people and those with SEND to take ownership of their learning journey, to feel listened to and valued, and ultimately, to flourish.

"Overseeing these changes to this area of the business has been a really exciting start to my time with the group, and I’m excited to develop the Alternative Outdoor Provision even further."

The AOP has not only been renamed but also expanded to include nature-based play therapy, autism and mental health consultancy, CBT, and therapeutic mentoring.

The AOP is also collaborating with The Outdoors School to begin outreach work in schools.

There are future plans to partner with the Forest School provision to offer holiday clubs for young people needing alternative childcare options during school holidays.

The AOP is also collaborating with The Outdoors School to begin outreach work in schoolsThe AOP is also collaborating with The Outdoors School to begin outreach work in schools (Image: The Outdoors School)

Additionally, The Outdoors Group has extended its reach with two new sites: Cann Woods near Plymouth and CUB in Honiton.

The group first launched an alternative Forest School-inspired education provision in 2015 at Whipton Barton, which has now expanded to eight woodland sites across Devon and Somerset.

In 2024, the group provided positive educational experiences to nearly 50 learners, most of whom made good progress during their sessions.

With the additional provision and the two new sites, the group aims to support even more young people in the coming years.