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For Local Authorities & SEND Commissioners

New Seeds Education

Independent Specialist Therapeutic School (16-25) · Commissioner Prospectus 2026/27

16-25
Age Range
1:2
Staff Ratio
8 max
Class Size
56
Group Capacity
Executive Positioning

New Seeds Education is an Independent Specialist Therapeutic School for young people aged 16-25 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

We deliver accredited academic education and multi-sector vocational pathways within a trauma-informed, relationship-based model designed to stabilise, progress and convert learners into successful adulthood.

Our provision integrates therapeutic practice, Preparing for Adulthood outcomes, and structured employment routes — including a flagship industry pathway in rail and infrastructure.

Aligned to the SEND Reform Framework: Our provision is designed to complement the graduated response, working in partnership with families, mainstream schools, and local authorities to deliver proportionate, sustainable placements. We collaborate with all stakeholders to reduce escalation, repeat transitions, and tribunal exposure — supporting both learner outcomes and long-term system sustainability.

Who We Support

We support learners with complex SEND and SEMH needs who require specialist intervention, including:

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
ADHD
Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
Trauma and attachment needs
Anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance
Staffing & Support · Per Site

Multidisciplinary Teams Across Our Schools

Each of our college runs a full multidisciplinary team of its own — leadership, qualified teachers, learning support practitioners, therapy and safeguarding — sized to the cohort. Teaching and therapy staff work side-by-side daily so educational and therapeutic strategies stay consistently embedded.

1
Schools Opening
24
Total Capacity
12
Teaching & Therapy Staff
3
Small Teaching Groups

Two specialist colleges · two regions · 15 local authorities covered

Each school is its own registered provision serving its own catchment. Find your nearest site below, then match your learner to the right placement tier. If your local authority sits between the two, either site may be appropriate — we'll advise.

New Seeds Education – Albrighton

Postcode WV7 3AU · West Midlands

Opening Oct 2026

Catchment Local Authorities

South StaffordshireShropshireTelford & WrekinWolverhamptonDudleySandwellWalsallBirmingham
24
Learners
12
Staff
3 × 8
Groups
1:2
Staff : Learner

Team on site

1College Manager / DSL
leadership
1Deputy Head / SENCO
leadership
3Qualified Teachers
teaching
4Learning Support Practitioners
teaching
1Therapy Lead
therapeutic
1Pastoral / Safeguarding Lead
therapeutic
1College Business Manager
operations

Teaching staff work closely with the therapy team to ensure educational and therapeutic strategies are consistently embedded throughout the college day. Every site runs to the same New Seeds therapeutic model (SEEDS), is governed by the same 88-policy framework, and is led by a site College Manager who also holds Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibility. Across the group we recruit to a consistent competency bar — including enhanced DBS, safer recruitment and trauma-informed CPD for every adult.

Commissioned Specialists

Commissioned Into Our Provision

Specialist clinical and compliance partners we contract in to assess, advise, supervise and assure — alongside our named college staff.

Educational Psychologist

Annual Reviews & assessment

Speech & Language Therapist

SLCN assessment & intervention

Occupational Therapist

Sensory profiling & regulation

CAMHS / Mental Health Link

Pathway & case support

Therapeutic Consultant (Clinical Lead)

Supervision & clinical governance

Governance & Compliance Consultant

ISS & Safer Recruitment assurance

Commissioned under service-level agreements, with safer-recruitment checks applied. Full list of partners available on request to Local Authority commissioners.

Our Therapeutic Model

The SEEDS Framework

All learners follow our structured SEEDS therapeutic pathway:

S

Safe

Establishing physical and emotional safety

E

Engaged

Building trust and relational security

E

Empowered

Developing emotional literacy and regulation

D

Developing

Building resilience, independence and skills

S

Succeeding

Transitioning to adulthood and employment

Evidence-Based Practice

Our practice integrates recognised evidence-based approaches:

PACE-informed relational practiceTherapeutic parenting principlesRestorative approachesRegulation frameworksSensory-informed environments

Therapy is embedded within daily provision — not delivered as a standalone add-on.

Curriculum Model

Balanced, Accredited & PfA-Aligned

Our curriculum is balanced, accredited and aligned to Preparing for Adulthood (PfA).

Academic Core

  • Functional Skills (English & Maths)
  • GCSE pathways where appropriate
  • ICT & digital literacy

Vocational Pathways

Learners engage in at least one structured vocational route:

  • Rail & Infrastructure
    Flagship Employment Pathway
  • Health & Social Care
  • Hospitality & Catering
  • Business Administration

All pathways offer recognised qualifications and practical application.

Therapeutic & Personal Development

  • PSHE and emotional literacy
  • Regulation and coping strategies
  • Life skills and independence
  • Character development
  • Community engagement

Preparing for Adulthood

All provision is explicitly mapped to PfA outcomes:

Employment

Independent Living

Community Inclusion

Health & Wellbeing

EHCP outcomes are tracked termly and evidenced at Annual Review.

Transparent, Tiered Pricing

Placement Tiers & Fees 2026/27

Three clear tiers aligned to EHCP complexity. Commissioners see exactly what each fee delivers — no hidden add-ons, no ambiguity.

Every tier includes our embedded SEEDS therapeutic model, full vocational curriculum, and termly EHCP reporting. Tiers differ only in the intensity and frequency of clinical input, ratio, and wraparound provision.

One-click commissioner downloads

Commissioner Resources 2026/27

Grab the 3-page Resource Pack (cover + SEEDS Evidence Base + Placement Tier Comparison) for panel papers, or the full Prospectus brochure for a complete deep-dive. Both instant PDF downloads.

Pricing
Fee bespoke per child
issued via Costed Provision Map
Core
Sustained 1:1 with full clinical wraparound
Enhanced
1:1 all day with 2:1 surge capacity, top-up negotiable
Class structure
8 learners · 1 teacher · 2 TAs · simultaneous 1:1 capacity

Final fee issued in our Costed Provision Map at consultation, capped to each commissioning framework.

Lower-tariff profiles that can be met in mainstream-with-support, AP or smaller specialist hubs are not within our specialist model. Our 1:1 ratios and clinical wraparound are sustainable only at Core / Enhanced intensity.

Core
1:1 most of the day · including unstructured time
Core
Standard EHCP profile
Fee bespoke per child · Costed Provision Map at consultation

Standard specialist offer. Fee bespoke per child — issued in our Costed Provision Map at consultation, capped to your LA's commissioning framework.

Why this band?

For learners whose EHCP profile requires consistent one-to-one adult presence throughout the college day to access learning safely and engage in regulation, communication and progress. Includes the full SEEDS therapeutic model, in-house Therapy Lead, weekly 1:1 sessions, and termly EHCP outcome reporting against 12 outcome KPIs.

  • Full academic curriculum (Functional Skills, GCSE, Level 1–2 BTEC)
  • Access to all 6 vocational pathways
  • Embedded SEEDS therapeutic model
  • Class structure: 8 learners · 1 teacher · 2 TAs
  • 1:1 staffing for the majority of the college day, including unstructured time
  • In-house Speech & Language Therapy (SaLT) — referral-led / fortnightly
  • In-house Occupational Therapy (OT) — referral-led / fortnightly
  • Weekly Therapy Lead 1:1
  • Sensory regulation programme
  • Bespoke behaviour & regulation plan
  • Termly EHCP progress reporting against 12 outcome KPIs
  • PfA-mapped progression planning
  • Multi-agency coordination
Best for: Standard specialist placements — sustained 1:1, full therapeutic wraparound
Most commissioned
Enhanced
1:1 all day · 2:1 deployed for complex/dysregulation surges
Enhanced
Complex EHCP profile
Fee bespoke per child · Costed Provision Map at consultation

Highest complexity. Fee bespoke per child — issued in our Costed Provision Map at consultation, capped to your LA's commissioning framework. Top-up negotiable for sustained 2:1 cover.

Why this band?

For the most complex learners — significant behavioural, developmental, emotional, sensory or medical needs that cannot be safely or sustainably met through a standard specialist model. Continuous 1:1 staffing with 2:1 surge capacity where complexity flares, plus daily clinical input and an individualised timetable.

  • Everything in Core, plus:
  • 1:1 staffing throughout the entire day
  • 2:1 surge cover deployed for behavioural, regulation or medical complexity
  • Daily 1:1 therapeutic input
  • Weekly Educational Psychology consultation
  • Weekly commissioned Psychotherapy sessions
  • Fully individualised timetable and curriculum
  • Crisis response and de-escalation protocol
  • Monthly Team Around the Child (TAC) review
  • Parent/carer therapeutic consultation
Best for: Complex profiles — post-CAMHS, residential alternative, high-tariff EHCP

For LA Panel Papers & Tender Submissions

Download: Placement Tier Comparison 2026/27

Single-page A4 landscape with the Core and Enhanced tiers side-by-side, full provision-inclusion table, and capped to your LA's commissioning framework — formatted for panel papers and annual reviews. Final fee bespoke per child via Costed Provision Map.

Optional Add-Ons (Any Tier)

Additional commissioning options that can be layered onto any tier for learners requiring further specialist input:

Add-On

Enhanced Therapeutic Input

Bespoke add-on · costed at consultation

For learners requiring additional specialist therapeutic support beyond the embedded model:

  • Intensive 1:1 therapeutic sessions
  • Speech & Language Therapy (SaLT)
  • Occupational Therapy input
  • Educational Psychology assessments
  • Enhanced clinical supervision
  • Bespoke regulation programmes
Add-On

Employment Conversion Pathway

Bespoke add-on · costed at consultation

High-accountability pathway into regulated and compliance-based industries:

  • Industry certification (e.g., safety-critical rail training)
  • Medical and compliance coordination
  • Employer sponsorship support
  • Structured work placements
  • Workplace behaviour coaching
  • Post-placement transition support
Separate from Annual Placements

Short-Term Employment Accelerator Programme

Outcome-focused industry exposure including:

  • Sector introduction
  • Practical skills development
  • Employability training
  • Industry compliance preparation

Commissioned as a short-term intervention or enhancement programme.

Programme
per cohort (6-8 learners)
4-6 weeks intensive
Contact us for fees

Specialist Intervention Packages

In addition to annual placements, we offer short-term specialist intervention packages for learners requiring targeted support.

Stabilisation Programme

6 weeks

Therapeutic Intervention Block

12 weeks

Reintegration Pathway

12-16 weeks

Assessment Placement

4-6 weeks

All arrangements are needs-led and evidence-based. Contact us for pricing.

Accountability

Outcomes & Accountability

As a newly established Independent Specialist School, we operate a robust outcomes framework from commencement of placement.

Outcome Priorities

Improved Attendance & Engagement

Re-establishing consistent attendance and meaningful participation in education

Emotional Regulation & Readiness to Learn

Developing the emotional skills needed to access learning and build relationships

Reduction in Incidents & Crisis Escalation

Decreasing behavioural incidents and preventing escalation into crisis services

Sustained Placements

Long-term placement stability, reducing repeated transitions and breakdowns

Progress Toward EHCP Outcomes

Measurable progress against the outcomes specified in each learner's EHCP

Preparation for Adulthood

Pathways to education, employment, or training, building independence and life skills

We prioritise long-term stability over short-term fixes, reducing repeated transitions, exclusions, and crisis interventions.

Each Learner Receives

  • Baseline assessment on entry
  • Termly EHCP progress reporting
  • Attendance and engagement tracking
  • Behaviour and regulation monitoring
  • Qualification progress tracking
  • Destination planning and EET monitoring

Commissioner & Family Reporting

  • Termly written progress reports
  • Annual Review evidence packs
  • Attendance and engagement summaries
  • Multi-agency coordination updates
  • Transparent communication throughout placement

Where appropriate, learner voice is captured and shared to ensure placements remain person-centred and outcomes-driven.

Partnership with Parents & Carers

We recognise that sustainable progress is achieved through strong partnerships with families.

Parents and carers are actively involved through:

  • Initial transition planning meetings
  • Regular progress updates and communication
  • Termly review discussions
  • Annual Review preparation and attendance
  • Collaborative target setting
  • Access to pastoral and therapeutic guidance

We operate a transparent communication model:

  • Their child's progress and achievements
  • Therapeutic strategies being used
  • Vocational pathway options
  • Transition planning and next steps

Our aim is to ensure consistency between school and home, strengthening regulation, independence and long-term stability.

Governance & Quality Assurance

Enhanced DBS-checked specialist staff
Designated Safeguarding Leads on site
Risk assessments aligned to DfE expectations
Quality assurance and internal monitoring cycle
External moderation of accredited qualifications
Regular policy review and safeguarding audits

We are committed to transparency, collaborative working and measurable outcomes across all provision.

For SEND Panels & Commissioners

Why Local Authorities Choose New Seeds Education

We understand that commissioning decisions are driven by outcomes, value, and compliance. Here's why SEND panels and placement teams choose New Seeds.

Specialist Provision · Core & Enhanced

Two-tier placement model — Core and Enhanced, capped to each LA's commissioning framework. Final fee bespoke per child — issued in our Costed Provision Map at consultation, with transparent inclusion tables and no hidden add-ons.

Small, Structured Environment

Maximum 8 learners per group with a 1:2 staff-to-learner ratio at New Seeds College – Albrighton — deliberately small cohorts so every young person receives individualised attention.

Embedded Therapeutic Model

Full-time Therapy Lead and integrated SEEDS therapeutic framework. Therapeutic strategies embedded throughout the college day, not bolt-on sessions.

Accredited Vocational Pathways

Real employment conversion routes including our flagship Railway Employment Programme. Level 1-2 accredited qualifications across multiple sectors.

EHCP-Aligned Reporting

Termly outcome tracking mapped directly to EHCP provision. ISP-compatible reporting and Annual Review evidence packs that meet statutory requirements.

Flexible Commissioning

Full-time placements, phased transitions, assessment placements, and short-term intervention packages. We work with commissioners to find the right fit.

Preparation for Adulthood & Post-16 Outcomes

Every placement at New Seeds Education is designed with post-16 outcomes in mind. Our Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) framework ensures learners develop the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed for meaningful adult lives.

Employment

Accredited vocational qualifications, real work placements, and employer partnerships including our Railway Employment Programme

Independent Living

Life skills curriculum covering cooking, budgeting, travel training, self-care, and household management

Community Inclusion

Social communication development, community-based learning, volunteering opportunities, and peer relationship building

Health & Wellbeing

Emotional regulation strategies, physical health education, mental health awareness, and self-advocacy skills

PfA outcomes are tracked from the start of each placement and evidenced through termly progress reports and Annual Reviews. Our goal is that every young person leaves New Seeds Education with a clear, achievable pathway into further education, training, or employment.

Commissioning Model

Flexible Commissioning Options

Full-Time Specialist Placements

Long-term therapeutic provision for complex EHCP needs

  • Core: standard 1:1 specialist offer
  • Enhanced: 1:1 all day + 2:1 surge
  • Class: 8 learners · 1 teacher · 2 TAs
  • Fee bespoke per child · via Costed Provision Map
  • Class: 8 learners · 1 teacher · 2 TAs

Specialist Intervention Packages

Short-term targeted programmes

  • Stabilisation — 6 weeks
  • Therapeutic intervention — 12 weeks
  • Reintegration pathway — 12-16 weeks
  • Assessment placement — 4-6 weeks

Employment Pathway Packages

Intensive vocational programmes

  • Rail & Infrastructure (Flagship)
  • 4-6 week intensives
  • Industry certification
  • Employer sponsorship routes

Specialist Intervention Packages — Detail

Targeted intervention programmes for learners who may benefit from short-term specialist support, assessment, or phased reintegration.

Stabilisation Programme

6 weeks

Crisis de-escalation and baseline assessment

Therapeutic Intervention Block

12 weeks

SEMH regulation and engagement recovery

Reintegration Pathway

12-16 weeks

Supported transition back to mainstream

Assessment Placement

4-6 weeks

Specialist needs assessment and recommendations

Intervention packages can be commissioned as standalone programmes or as part of a phased placement strategy.

Additional Commissioning Arrangements

Full-time specialist placements
Phased transitions
Assessment & stabilisation placements
Dual-roll arrangements
Cohort-based vocational intensives

Multi-learner commissioning partnerships and outreach support available by discussion.

Why Commission New Seeds Education?

  • Independent Specialist School (16-25)
  • Small class sizes (maximum 8)
  • 1:2 specialist staffing model
  • Embedded therapeutic framework (SEEDS Model)
  • Accredited multi-sector vocational pathways
  • Flagship employment conversion route in rail
  • Transparent placement options
  • EHCP-aligned, PfA-driven outcomes
  • New Seeds College – Albrighton — small, deliberately stable cohorts at WV7 3AU
  • Short-term and long-term placement flexibility
  • Reintegration-ready model
  • ISP and EHCP-compatible reporting

Ready to Discuss Commissioning?

Contact our team to explore how New Seeds Education can support your learners' outcomes and provide the specialist provision they need.

New Seeds Education · Independent Specialist Therapeutic School · Ages 16-25