Alternative Provision
Leafy Legends Forest School — Alternative Provision
At Leafy Legends, we offer a fun but calm, consistent space where children can learn, grow, and feel safe — emotionally, socially, and physically. Our alternative provision is designed for families who choose home education or flexi schooling, and for schools or a commissioning oganisation seeking a trusted, child-centred environment for pupils who need something different.
Our Process
Who we support:
We welcome children who are:
- Home educated
- Flexi-schooled
- Reduced timetable learners
- Excluded from mainstream education
- Education otherwise than in a school (EOTIS)
Eligibility / Referral Process:
Eligibility:
– Children aged 5-11 (older considered case-by-case)
– Home educated, flexi-schooled, or on a reduced timetable
– Recently excluded (fixed-term or permanent), or at risk of exclusion
– Able to manage in a small group with consistent staffing
– Seeking nature-based, emotionally safe, structured provision
– Not suitable for children requiring 1:1 or high-level clinical support
Referral steps & Timeframes
Step 1: Initial Enquiry
- Contact us via email or phone to express interest
- Request a referral form
- Response within 3 working days
Step 2: Referral Form Submission
- Complete and return the form with key details (child's needs, curent provision, goals)
- Review within 5 working days
Step 3: Suitability Review and Informal Visit
- We assess group fit, staffing, and child's needs
- If appropriate, we invite the child and parent/carer for a short visit
- Visit offered within 2 weeks of referral acceptance
Step 4: Offer of Place and Start Date
- If suitable, we offer a place and agree a start date
- Welcome pack provided; communication channels confirmed
- Start date typically within 2-4 weeks of referral, depending on availability
Session details:
Day: Fridays (term time)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Location: Matlock, Derbyshire
what3words: oblige.obligated.unspoiled
Group Sizes: Small, relational group
Focus: Nature-based learning, emotional safety, social connection, gentle structure
Contact: To discuss suitability or request a referral form, please get in touch directly. We're happy to talk through next steps and answer any questions.