At Clear Steps Plus Education (CSPE), we provide specialist alternative provision designed to bridge the gap between mainstream and specialist SEND schools. We are dedicated to delivering flexible, compassionate, and neurodiversity-aware education for children aged 11 to 18 whose needs cannot be fully met within mainstream settings.
Our provision supports neurodiverse learners, including those with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Specific Learning Difficulties, and Speech and Language needs. Everything we do is fundamentally underpinned by the principle of “regulation before expectation”. We prioritise a child’s emotional and sensory needs, ensuring they feel safe, regulated, and understood before placing behavioural or academic demands upon them.
Who Can Access This Service?
Our alternative provision has a maximum capacity of 35 learners and is open to children and young people who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- EOTAS Learners: Children educated other than at school, funded by the Local Authority (we are listed on the Northwest Framework).
- EBSNA Learners: Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance learners, funded by schools or Local Authorities, with the aim of transitioning back into a mainstream or specialist setting.
- Preventative Support: Children at risk of becoming EBSNA who require SEND transition support (similar to a "Step Out" program) as part of their reasonable adjustments while remaining on a school roll.
- Awaiting Placement: Children who are awaiting a SEND specialist school allocation.
- Medical Needs & EHCPs: Learners funded due to medical reasons, those who already have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or those currently awaiting an assessment.
Our Tailored Approach
Every package is built around the child’s current needs, adopting a highly individualised, trauma-informed approach. To ensure a learner-centred environment, we maintain a high staff-to-learner ratio of a maximum of 1:5 at our premises.
Learner Passports
Following a settled induction period, we create an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) or "Learner Passport" detailing the child's strengths, learning targets, timetable, and vital regulation strategies.
Flexible Timetables
We operate Monday to Friday with flexible hours (ranging from 8:30am up to 4:30pm). We offer up to five one-hour sessions daily, but engagement is completely at the child's pace—some children may start with just one hour a day, while others may attend for a full four or five hours. Regulation breaks are taken as and when needed.
Transparent Feedback
We review packages regularly to adapt to the child's changing needs. We provide weekly progress trackers to schools and Local Authorities, which detail engagement and attainment progress, and can also be shared with parents.
Curriculum & Support Offered
Our broad and balanced curriculum supports academic, social, emotional, and life skills development, helping learners recover from burnout and build their independence.
Safeguarding & Quality Standards
CSPE is fully OFSTED approved (URN: 2550113) and we are currently applying for registration as an Independent Specialist School. We maintain strict safeguarding, safer recruitment procedures, and health & safety policies. All academic sessions are delivered by fully qualified, enhanced DBS-checked teachers, supported by a SEND Learning Support Assistant (LSA) who delivers vital mentoring and wellbeing sessions.
Admissions & Referrals
We work collaboratively with families, schools, and Local Authorities to ensure a workable and realistic plan is in place prior to admission. Referrals can be made via Local Authority EOTAS teams, School SENDCOs, Education Authorities, or through parent/carer consultation.
Contact for Admissions – EOTAS/AP Alicia Hampson – Director 📞 07747 102041