Big Fish Project provides specialist farm-based alternative provision for children and young people who struggle to access mainstream education.

We support neurodivergent learners and those with SEMH needs through structured, low-demand placements focused on emotional regulation, confidence and engagement. Our environment is calm, predictable and designed to reduce overwhelm while maintaining clear boundaries and supervision.

Placements are delivered in small groups or 1:1, depending on need.

Specialist therapeutic alternative provision

  • Big Fish is suitable for children and young people who may be experiencing:

    • Autism and ADHD

    • SEMH needs

    • Anxiety-based school avoidance

    • Emotional dysregulation

    • Sensory overwhelm in classroom settings

    • Low confidence or disengagement from education

    • Difficulty coping in high-demand environments

    We work best with young people who benefit from practical, hands-on learning and outdoor therapeutic settings.

    If you are unsure whether a placement is suitable, we encourage schools to contact us to discuss individual needs.

  • Placements follow a predictable daily structure to support safety and regulation.

    A typical day may include:

    • animal care and farm routines

    • practical workshop tasks

    • outdoor projects

    • shared meals and social routines

    • quiet regulation time when needed

    Young people are supported to engage at their own pace. Our approach prioritises emotional safety and relationship-building, allowing trust and confidence to develop gradually.

    We do not deliver formal classroom education or qualifications. Instead, we provide a therapeutic environment that supports readiness to learn. Schools often map educational outcomes onto the practical experiences we provide.

  • Safeguarding is central to all placements at Big Fish.

    We operate with clear supervision structures, risk assessments and incident procedures to ensure a safe environment for young people and staff. Our team is experienced in supporting emotionally dysregulated children and managing challenging situations calmly and professionally.

    Policies and safeguarding documentation are available to schools upon request.

  • We offer:

    • 1:1 placements

    • small group placements (maximum 4 per day)

    • group sessions for known school cohorts (up to 6)

    Sessions are available as half-day or full-day placements.

    We are open weekdays during term time, 9am–3pm.

    Bespoke packages can be discussed depending on need.

  • Referrals are welcomed from schools, local authorities and families.

    Our process is designed to protect the emotional safety and regulation of current attendees while allowing professionals to fully understand the environment.

    The process typically includes:

    1. Initial conversation to discuss suitability

    2. Virtual tour of the setting

    3. Professional visit for school staff if required

    4. Completion of our application form

    5. Placement agreement and start planning

    We do not invite prospective attendees to visit during active sessions, as maintaining a calm and predictable environment for existing placements is a safeguarding priority.

    To discuss a referral or begin an application, please contact:

Start a referral