Therapeutic Education for Years 7–11
Wild Minds Academy provides specialist, therapeutic alternative provision for young people in Years 7–11 who are unable to access or sustain mainstream education.
We support learners with complex SEND, SEMH, and mental health needs, many of whom have experienced school refusal, repeated placement breakdowns, or school-related trauma.
We are currently able to consider a small number of placements for immediate start and for September 2025, subject to suitability and commissioning agreement.
All placements are for young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or are commissioned through agreed alternative arrangements.
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Who the Academy is for
Wild Minds Academy is suitable for learners who may experience challenges in mainstream education due to:
Autism Spectrum Conditions
ADHD
Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA)
Sensory processing differences
School-related trauma or anxiety
Many learners arrive with low trust in education, heightened anxiety, or difficulty regulating in busy or high-demand environments.
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Our Therapeutic Education Approach
Our approach is designed to prioritise regulation, safety, and connection, recognising that learning follows when young people feel secure and understood.
Key features include:
Low-ratio provision delivered through a combination of 1:1 support and very small groups, typically no more than 3–5 learners
Calm, predictable routines within a nature-based environment
Trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming practice
High staff-to-learner ratios with consistent adults throughout the day
Flexible teaching approaches that respond to emotional regulation and readiness to learn
This structure allows young people to re-engage with learning at their own pace while building confidence, independence, and resilience.
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Curriculum and Learning Pathways
Learners follow a balanced, therapeutic curriculum combining academic, vocational, and personal development elements.
Our curriculum includes:
Animal Care
Construction and Land-Based Skills
Functional Skills in Maths and English
Personal Development and Mentoring
AQA Unit Awards
ASDAN Short Courses
Learning is practical, meaningful, and contextualised, supporting both academic progress and wider preparation for future pathways.
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How placements are commissioned
Students attending Wild Minds Academy are usually enrolled in one of the following ways:
Remaining on roll with a local school and attending Wild Minds on a part-time basis
An Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) package
A school- or local authority-directed placement as part of EHCP provision
We work collaboratively with schools, families, and local authorities to design flexible, personalised packages that meet each young person’s needs while maintaining clear responsibility for statutory education.
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Next steps
If you are considering a placement for a young person in Years 7–11, we welcome enquiries from schools, local authorities, and parents.
Please contact us to discuss suitability, availability, and commissioning arrangements.
Make a Referral
Book a Visit
Contact Us
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