bridge
Alternative Provision by Make Play
What is bridge?
Bridge is our artist-led provision delivering creative support for young people aged 6–16 who are not attending, or are struggling to thrive in, mainstream education.
What we offer
We provide 1:1 and small-group sessions using art, creativity and craft to support re-engagement with learning, build confidence and improve emotional wellbeing. Our approach is trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming, with a strong focus on relationship-building, trust and individual pacing.
Provision is personalised to each young person’s needs and interests, supporting engagement and a sense of achievement. We typically offer 10-12 week engagements with weekly 1.5-hour sessions.
Where are sessions delivered?
Sessions are delivered either as 1:1 provision in the young person’s home, community venue or online as 1:1 or small-group sessions, ensuring flexible access to support.
Sessions take place in a calm, nurturing and non-judgemental environment, where creativity is used as a tool for self-expression, autonomy and emotional regulation.
Who delivers the sessions?
All sessions are delivered by Rachel or Kara who are both experienced artists. Rachel is a qualified teacher and Senco experienced in working with children and young people with SEMH needs, neurodivergence and those at risk of exclusion and Kara has many years of experience developing creative projects with children and adults with complex needs.
We prioritise relational practice, consistency and creating psychologically safe environments for all participants.
How it works
We accept referrals through a number of routes, depending on a child or young person’s circumstances.
Most referrals for Alternative Provision come via the local authority. In Suffolk, this includes teams such as the NSAP panel and the Education Access Team, who coordinate and commission support for children who are not currently accessing full-time education or need a more bespoke approach. In these cases, referrals are made to us as part of a wider plan, and we work in partnership with the professionals involved.
We also welcome enquiries from schools. Some schools choose to commission provision directly to support a pupil who is struggling to engage, at risk of exclusion, or attending on a reduced timetable.
Parents and carers are welcome to get in touch to ask about our offer. While most funded placements are arranged through schools or the local authority, we can talk through your situation and help you understand possible next steps, including privately funded options where appropriate.
If you are unsure which route applies, please contact us and we can help.
Looking for Alternative Provision?
Please fill out the short referral form below.
Or get in touch to discuss a young person's needs and whether Make Play could provide the right creative environment.
To find out more, email us: bridge@makeplay.org.uk