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1. What is "Alternative Provision" and is it right for my child?

Alternative Provision (AP) is education arranged for pupils who, because of exclusion, illness, or other reasons, such as S.E.N.D, would not otherwise receive suitable education. Our alternative provision in Ipswich offers a smaller, more therapeutic environment for children who struggle in mainstream Suffolk schools. It is often ideal for students needing targeted SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) support.

Learn more: Suffolk County Council’s Guide to Alternative Provision

 

2. Does my child need an EHCP to attend your school?

While many of our students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as a alternative provision, we can often discuss placements for children who are currently undergoing an EHC Needs Assessment (EHCNA) or those who require a temporary placement to prevent exclusion.

Resource: How to apply for an EHCP in Suffolk

 

3. How do I apply for a place at your Ipswich based SEND school?

Placements are typically made via a referral from your child's current school or through the Suffolk Statutory SEND Services. However, we welcome parents to contact us directly for a tour and to discuss whether we can meet your child's specific needs.

Contact: Suffolk Statutory SEND Services (South/Ipswich Team)

 

4. Can I get help with school transport to Ipswich?

Suffolk County Council may provide funded travel to the nearest suitable school if your child meets the distance or SEND criteria. If our school is named in your child’s EHCP, you may be eligible for assistance.

Check eligibility: Suffolk On Board - SEND School Travel

 

5. What support is available for parents in Suffolk?

Navigating the SEND system can be overwhelming. We highly recommend connecting with Suffolk SENDIASS for impartial advice and the Suffolk Parent Carer Forum to meet other families in similar situations.

Links: Suffolk SENDIASS | Suffolk Parent Carer Forum

 

6. What age groups do you support at Building SEND Castles?

We specialize in providing tailored lessons and therapeutic support for primary-aged children, specifically ages 4 to 11. We believe that building strong educational foundations early on is key to long-term success for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

 

7. What does being an "Unregistered" Alternative Provision mean?

At Building SEND Castles, we are an Unregistered Alternative Provision. This is a specific status appropriate for providers offering part-time, targeted support (up to 15 hours per week). It allows us to offer a more flexible, therapeutic environment than a traditional registered school. We are proud to be officially listed in the Suffolk County Council Unregistered Alternative Provision Directory, meaning we have met the local authority’s rigorous standards for safety and quality.

Directory Link: Suffolk County Council AP Directory

 

8. What specific needs do you cater to?

Our expertise lies in supporting children who face challenges that impact their learning and happiness. This includes:

• SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health)

• ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Challenging Behaviours and anxiety-related school avoidance. Our goal is to help every child build their own "castle" of confidence and joy.

 

9. How do I refer a child to your Ipswich centre?

Referrals can be made by schools, local authorities, or professionals. We offer two types of support:

• Ipswich AP: For children attending our dedicated centre in Ipswich.

• Suffolk Outreach: For children who are being educated elsewhere (such as their own home) but require specialist SEND intervention at our Ipswich location.

Referral Form: Submit an Education Referral

 

10. What are your session times and hours?

To ensure our support remains focused and effective, we offer daily sessions of 3 hours (8:30 am – 11:30 am or 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm), with a maximum of 15 hours per week per student. This part-time model is designed to work alongside a child's existing educational journey or as a bridge back into full-time learning.

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