Heartwood House

Heartwood House was created for young people who are not attending school, or for whom continued attendance in a mainstream setting is detrimental to their mental health. Since opening in 2008, its mixed provision for ages 11 to 17 has remained small: 60 places, no boarders and no sixth form. Referral and suitability, rather than a standard open-entry route, are central to the model.

Learning is shaped around each young person's interests, needs and pace. English, mathematics, science, art, sport and cooking are taught at the centres, while additional subjects can be arranged online or with individual tutors. Timetables combine academic lessons with mentoring, PSHE, group discussion, counselling, and music or art therapy, making emotional wellbeing part of the educational day.

There are three forms of provision. The original centre is an Edwardian townhouse with subject rooms, therapy spaces, a kitchen and a garden music room; a second centre has a community room and garden, while off-site work can include home, online, vocational and therapeutic settings. This arrangement allows the environment to change as a student's needs change.

The local authority SEN team makes the referral, followed by an informal visit and discussion with the centre headteacher and, where appropriate, the SENCo. Heartwood then sets out whether it can meet the student's needs, the provision required and a provisional start date. A person-centred transition and six-week trial follow once the local authority agrees the placement.