GM Alternative Provision Ltd
Alternative Provision supporting 11 to 19 year olds into a better future.
Promoting Positivity, Passion and Performance.
We work alongside schools, families and young people to build personalised programmes that combine education, structure and real-world experience.
Supporting young people across Gateshead, Newcastle, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland.
A different approach
Education that starts with the young person, not the timetable
Some young people need something different from a mainstream classroom to re-engage with learning. Our approach is built around smaller, calmer settings, consistent relationships, and a curriculum shaped around each young person's needs, interests and next steps.
We work in partnership with referring schools throughout, so education, pastoral support and progress stay joined up rather than separate.
- Small, structured group and one-to-one settings
- Consistent staff and stable routines
- Curriculum linked to real-world and vocational learning
- Ongoing communication with the referring school
Personalised support
A programme built around the individual
No two young people arrive with the same story. Every programme is shaped around individual strengths, challenges and goals, agreed with the young person, their family or carers, and the referring school.
Getting to know each young person
We take time to understand strengths, interests and what has and hasn't worked before, so a programme fits the person rather than the other way round.
A clear, agreed programme
Provision, timetable and goals are agreed up front with the school and family, and reviewed regularly so the plan can adapt as the young person progresses.
Support that stays consistent
Staff, routines and expectations stay steady, giving young people the stability many need to re-engage and build confidence.
Typical session lengths, days and structure are set out on the Our Provision page.
Real-world work placements
Preparing young people for life beyond the classroom
For many young people, structured time in a real workplace builds confidence, purpose and skills that a classroom alone cannot. We arrange work placements matched to each young person's interests and readiness, with clear expectations and support in place.
Example sectors we look to place young people in include social care, construction, mechanics, engineering, hospitality, catering, childcare, retail, IT, administration, and animal care. Availability depends on suitable placement opportunities.
More about work placementsBefore any placement begins
- GM reviews every employer and opportunity first
- Suitability and readiness are assessed with the young person
- Enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks in place
Placement partners
Local employers helping young people take their next step
If your organisation could offer work experience, a taster day, or ongoing support to a young person, we would like to hear from you. Every opportunity is reviewed by GM before it's offered to a young person.
Register your interest
Tell us a little about your organisation and what you might be able to offer. We'll be in touch to discuss whether it's a good fit.
Register interest as an employerFor schools & commissioners
- Referrals and information gathering
- Attendance monitoring and progress reporting
- Ongoing communication throughout the placement
- Availability and costs discussed as part of the referral conversation
Schools & commissioners
A straightforward point of contact for referrals
We work closely with referring schools and commissioners to keep the referral process clear, communication regular, and reporting useful. Visit the dedicated page for the full operational detail, including our referral journey.
Schools & Commissioners informationSafeguarding
Safeguarding sits at the centre of everything we do
Every young person we work with deserves to feel safe, valued and heard. Safeguarding is built into how we plan programmes, arrange placements and work with schools and families — not treated as a separate add-on.
Our safeguarding approachConfirmed safeguarding standards
- Named Designated Safeguarding Leads
- Enhanced DBS required for staff and placement employers
- Level 3 safeguarding training completed annually
What we aim for
Progress that opens up the next step
Every young person starts from a different place. GM supports young people to build confidence, re-engage with learning, develop practical and personal skills and move towards a positive next step.
That may mean returning to education, gaining qualifications, workplace experience, further training or becoming more ready for employment. Progress should be meaningful, realistic and connected to the young person's strengths, needs and future goals.
Confidence & engagement
Rebuilding a positive relationship with learning and with adults who believe in them.
Skills for the future
Practical experience and transferable skills through real-world learning and placements.
A clear next step
Support in moving on positively, whether to mainstream education, college, training or work.
Areas we cover
Where we currently work
We currently work with young people, schools and commissioners across:
Not sure if we cover your area? Contact us to discuss a potential placement.
Ready to talk about a placement?
Whether you're a school, a parent or carer, or a local employer, we're happy to have an initial conversation with no commitment.