A place where young people are heard.
Here Alternative Provision supports young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs who aren't thriving in mainstream school. We offer a safe, structured and aspirational place to learn, rebuild confidence and plan what comes next.
Build.Belong.Believe.Become.
- SEMH specialistsSupport built around emotional wellbeing first
- Small groupsA trusted key adult for every young person
- Real qualificationsFunctional Skills, AQA Unit Awards and GCSE exam preparation
- Clear next stepsReintegration, college, training or work
Four steps every young person takes with us
Our values describe the journey a young person makes at HAP, from the first day through to the next stage of their education or working life.
Build
We start with safety, routine and a trusting relationship with a key adult, so a young person can settle and feel ready to learn again.
Belong
Small groups and consistent staff help young people feel part of something. They're known, listened to and treated with respect.
Believe
Achievable goals, regular praise and accredited learning show young people what they can do, rather than what they can't.
Become
We plan each move with the young person, whether that's returning to school, starting college, an apprenticeship or work.
More than a timetable
Core learning sits alongside sport, practical skills and creative work, because young people engage when they're doing something they care about.
Who is this site for?
Schools & local authorities
How placements work, what we report on, and the outcomes we work towards with every young person.
Commissioning a place →
Parents & carers
What a typical day looks like, who your child will work with, and answers to the questions families ask us most.
Information for families →
Who we support
Young people aged 11 to 18 with SEMH needs, including those at risk of exclusion or out of school.
Is HAP the right fit? →From referral to next steps
Every placement follows the same clear process, so schools, families and young people know what happens and when.
- STEP 1
Referral
A school, local authority or virtual school sends us an enquiry through our referral form.
- STEP 2
Meet & visit
The young person and their family visit, meet staff and see the setting before anything is agreed.
- STEP 3
Personal plan
We assess learning and wellbeing needs and agree targets with everyone involved.
- STEP 4
Learning & support
A timetable that balances core subjects, SEMH support and enrichment.
- STEP 5
Review & move on
Regular reviews and a planned transition to school, college, training or work.
Outcomes that matter to young people and to commissioners
We track progress from the first week and share it with schools and families, so everyone can see what's changing.
- Improved attendance and punctuality
- Fewer incidents and better emotional regulation
- Accredited qualifications in English and maths
- Higher confidence, motivation and self-esteem
- Successful return to mainstream or specialist school
- Progression to college, training or employment, reducing the risk of becoming NEET
- Stronger relationships between home, school and the wider community
Looking for a placement?
Tell us a little about the young person and we'll be in touch within two working days.
About HAP
Here Alternative Provision is part of Here To Help Recruitment Ltd. We've spent over ten years placing staff in early years and education settings. HAP brings that experience directly to the young people who need it most.
To give young people a fresh start, and a future to aim for
Some young people struggle in mainstream school. Big classes, noise, change and pressure can make every day feel overwhelming, and difficult behaviour is often the result. Too often that ends in exclusion, missed education and lost confidence.
HAP exists to change that story. We provide a calm, structured setting where young people with SEMH needs are known as individuals, supported by staff who understand them, and given every chance to succeed.
Here to help, every step of the way
Our parent company's promise carries straight into HAP. We stay alongside young people, families and schools from the first conversation to the day a young person moves on, and we keep in touch after.
Talk to usHow we work with young people
Safety first
Young people can't learn until they feel safe. Clear routines and calm spaces come before anything else.
Every voice counts
Young people help shape their own plans. We listen first and ask what works for them.
Relationships, not rules alone
A trusted key adult and consistent staff are the foundation for changing behaviour and building confidence.
High aspirations
An SEMH need doesn't limit ambition. We expect progress and help every young person achieve recognised qualifications.
The people behind HAP
Our staff are experienced in SEMH, safeguarding and supporting young people back into learning. Every member of the team holds an enhanced DBS check.
Martin Clifford
Martin founded Here To Help Recruitment and leads HAP's vision and partnerships with schools and local authorities.
Name to confirm
Leads teaching, learning and the day-to-day running of the setting.
Vanessa Wilson
Responsible for safeguarding, child protection and data protection across HAP.
Our provision
A balanced timetable of core learning, SEMH support and enrichment, adapted to each young person and reviewed regularly.
Curriculum
English & maths
Small-group and one-to-one teaching towards Functional Skills, plus support preparing for GCSE exams, starting from where each young person is.
SEMH & wellbeing
Daily check-ins, emotional regulation, coping strategies and a key adult who knows each young person well.
PSHE & life skills
Relationships, staying safe online, money, cooking and the practical skills needed for independent life.
Sport & enrichment
Physical activity, creative projects and trips that build teamwork, confidence and a reason to come in.
Careers & employability
CV writing, interview practice, work experience and impartial advice on college and apprenticeships.
Science & wider subjects
Science, computing, art and other subjects where they fit a young person's interests and pathway.
Structure that feels manageable
A predictable day helps young people feel safe. Sessions are short, breaks are built in, and every day starts and ends with time with a key adult.
Example timetable. Each young person's day is adapted to their plan.
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9:15 | Arrival, breakfast and morning check-in Key adult |
| 9:45 | English or maths |
| 10:45 | Break |
| 11:00 | English or maths |
| 12:00 | Lunch together |
| 12:45 | PSHE, life skills or wellbeing session SEMH |
| 13:45 | Sport, creative project or enrichment |
| 14:45 | Reflection and end-of-day check-out Key adult |
Recognised qualifications at every level
We start with an initial assessment and choose qualifications that stretch each young person without setting them up to fail.
Want to see the setting?
We welcome visits from schools, local authorities and families.
Who we support
HAP is for young people aged 11 to 18, from Key Stage 3 to Post 16, whose Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs make mainstream school difficult.
HAP may be the right fit for young people who:
- Have identified or suspected SEMH needs
- Are at risk of permanent exclusion, or have been excluded
- Find it hard to attend school because of anxiety or emotionally based school avoidance
- Have been out of education for a period of time
- Are looked after or known to children's services
- Have an EHCP, or are going through an assessment
- Need a short-term placement before returning to school
- Are aged 16 to 18 and at risk of becoming NEET
Support across three stages
Key Stage 3
Early support to re-engage with learning, fill gaps in English and maths, and prepare for a return to school wherever possible.
Key Stage 4
Focused work towards Functional Skills, support preparing for GCSE exams, careers advice and planning for college or training.
Post 16
Qualifications, employability and life skills to help young people move into further education, apprenticeships or work.
Not sure if HAP is the right fit?
Give us a call or send an enquiry. We'll talk it through honestly, and if we're not the right provision we'll tell you, and suggest where else might help.
Get in touchFor schools & local authorities
We work with schools, local authorities and virtual schools to provide part-time placements and short-term interventions for young people with SEMH needs.
What you can expect from us
Quick response
We respond to every referral within two working days and aim to arrange a visit within a week.
Clear reporting
Daily attendance, weekly progress updates and termly reports, with reviews against agreed targets.
Flexible placements
Part-time placements built around each young person, from short-term interventions to longer-term support alongside their school.
Planned reintegration
We work with the home school from day one, so a return is planned, supported and more likely to last.
How to commission a place
- STEP 1
Enquire
Send an enquiry through our referral form or call us to discuss the young person.
- STEP 2
Share information
We'll request referral paperwork securely, including any EHCP, risk assessments and attendance data.
- STEP 3
Visit
The young person and family visit HAP and meet the team.
- STEP 4
Agree the plan
We agree targets, timetable, hours and review dates with you.
- STEP 5
Start & review
The placement begins, with regular reviews and progress reports.
Questions from commissioners
Do young people stay on their school's roll?
Yes. Young people remain on their home school's roll while attending HAP, and we share attendance daily so the school can record it correctly.
How are placements funded?
Placements are commissioned by the referring school or local authority. We'll provide a clear quote based on the hours and support agreed.
What happens if a placement isn't working?
We'll contact you straight away and call an early review, so we can adapt the plan together before anything breaks down.
Ready to discuss a young person?
Start with a short enquiry. No identifying details are needed at this stage.
For parents & carers
If your child has been referred to HAP, you probably have lots of questions. Here's what to expect, and you're always welcome to call us.
Your child's first weeks at HAP
Come and visit
You and your child can look around, meet staff and ask questions. Nothing is decided without you.
A gentle start
Shorter days if needed, time to settle, and an introduction to the key adult who will be their main point of contact.
Staying in touch
Regular updates from your child's key adult, plus reviews where you can share how things are going at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on 020 3105 0433.
Will my child still be on their school's roll?
Usually, yes. Most young people stay on their school's roll while attending HAP. Your child's school or local authority will explain the arrangement for your child.
How will my child get to HAP?
Transport depends on the placement. It is often arranged by the referring school or local authority, and we'll help sort out the details before your child starts.
Will my child get qualifications?
Yes. Young people work towards recognised qualifications such as Functional Skills and AQA Unit Awards, at a level that's right for them. We also help young people prepare for their GCSE exams.
What if my child finds it hard to come in?
That's common, and it's something we're used to. We'll work with you on a plan, which might include a phased start, home contact or a key adult meeting your child at the door.
Is lunch provided?
Details to confirm
Who do I contact if I'm worried?
Your child's key adult is your first point of contact. If you have a safeguarding concern, contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead. Details are on our safeguarding page.
Safeguarding & policies
Keeping young people safe is the most important thing we do. Every member of staff is trained in safeguarding and holds an enhanced DBS check.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you're worried about a young person at HAP, contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead straight away. You can also contact Wirral's Integrated Front Door directly, using the details below.
Vanessa Wilson
Phone / email to confirm
Name to confirm
Phone / email to confirm
Wirral local authority contacts
Wirral Integrated Front Door (IFD)
Report a concern about a child or young person's safety or welfare. The IFD replaced Wirral MASH.
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- 0151 606 2008
- Out of hours
- 0151 677 6557
- IFD@wirral.gov.uk
Wirral LADO
The Local Authority Designated Officer handles concerns about an adult who works or volunteers with children, including HAP staff.
- Phone
- 0151 666 4442
- safeguardingunit@wirral.gov.uk
How we keep young people safe
- We follow Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Safer recruitment and enhanced DBS checks for all staff
- Annual safeguarding training for every member of staff
- Clear procedures for recording and reporting concerns
- Close work with schools, social workers and other agencies
- Risk assessments for every young person and activity
Policies
All of our policies are available on request. Contact us and we'll send you a copy.
- Safeguarding & Child ProtectionOn request
- Behaviour & RelationshipsOn request
- AttendanceOn request
- Anti-bullyingOn request
- ComplaintsOn request
- SEND & InclusionOn request
- Data Protection & PrivacyOn request
- Health & SafetyOn request
Privacy notice
How Here Alternative Provision uses the information you share with us through this website. Last updated October 2026.
Who we are
Here Alternative Provision (HAP) is part of Here To Help Recruitment Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (company number 12899390). Our address is Suite 9, 2nd Floor, Gateway House, Old Hall Road, Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside CH62 3NX.
Here To Help Recruitment Ltd is the data controller for the personal information collected through this website. Our ICO registration number is to confirm.
Our Data Protection Officer
Our Data Protection Officer is Vanessa Wilson. You can contact her about anything in this notice, or to use any of your rights, by phone on 020 3105 0433, by email at email to confirm, or by post to the address above, marked for the attention of the Data Protection Officer.
What we collect through this website
When you send an enquiry using our referral form, we collect:
- your name, role and organisation
- your email address and phone number
- the young person's year group and the type of placement you're looking for
- anything you choose to tell us in your message
We ask you not to include a young person's name or other details that could identify them in the online form. Once we've spoken to you, we'll request full referral information through a secure route, and we'll give families a separate privacy notice that explains how we look after learner records.
Our website host also processes basic technical information, such as your IP address and browser type, so that the site works and stays secure.
How we use your information
- to reply to your enquiry and talk through a possible placement
- to arrange a visit and start the referral process if you'd like to go ahead
- to keep a record of enquiries we've received and how we responded
Our lawful basis is our legitimate interest in responding to people who contact us about our provision. If a referral goes ahead, we'll explain the lawful bases we rely on for learner information at that point.
Where we have a concern about a child's safety, we may share relevant information with the local authority, the police or other safeguarding partners without consent where the law allows, so that the child is protected. We'll only share what's necessary and we keep a record of what we share and why.
Who we share it with
We never sell your information or use it for marketing. Only staff who need to respond to your enquiry can see it. We use trusted service providers to run our website and email:
- Netlify, which hosts this website and receives form submissions on our behalf. Netlify may process data outside the UK, and is required to protect it using approved safeguards such as standard contractual clauses.
- our email provider, which delivers enquiries to our inbox.
How long we keep it
We keep website enquiries for retention period to confirm and then delete them securely, unless the enquiry becomes a referral. Referral and learner records are kept in line with our records retention schedule.
How we keep it safe
We follow our Data Security and Protection Policy. Access to personal information is limited to staff who need it, accounts are protected with multi-factor authentication where available, and all staff complete data protection training at least once a year. If something goes wrong, we have a clear procedure for reporting and handling it, including telling the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) when required.
Cookies
This website doesn't use cookies, analytics or advertising trackers. Our fonts, images and video are all hosted on our own site.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- ask for a copy of the information we hold about you
- ask us to correct anything that's wrong or incomplete
- ask us to delete your information
- ask us to limit how we use it, or object to us using it
Contact our Data Protection Officer to make a request. We'll respond within one month. Some rights have exceptions, for example where we need to keep information to protect a child.
Complaints
If you're unhappy with how we've handled your information, please contact us first so we can try to put it right. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint or on 0303 123 1113.
Changes to this notice
We review this notice at least once a year. Any changes will be posted on this page.
Make a referral
Send us a short enquiry and we'll contact you within two working days to talk through the young person's needs and arrange a visit.
Thank you
We've received your enquiry and will be in touch within two working days.