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ABOUT
ALTERNATIVE PROVISIONHOW TO JOINREGISTRATIONTIMETABLES & FEESFREE TASTER SESSIONMEET THE TEAMFAQAPPROACH & IMPACTPARTNERSHIPSBLOGRESOURCESNEWS & EVENTSLATEST VACANCIES
FAMILIES
SCHOOLS
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
ONLINE COURSES
MISSION TO MARSWITCHES & WIZARDSEOTAS ADVICEBRAIN BREAKCREATING INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMSPERSONALISED LEARNING PATHWAYS
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ALTERNATIVE PROVISION

Gaia Learning are a National Online Alternative Provision working across the UK. We specialist in interest-based learning for engagement and if appropriate, re-integration into school.

Alternative Provision: Gaia Learning

Alternative Provision is a type of education for young people who, for a variety of reasons, cannot attend a mainstream school full-time. This may include those who have been excluded, are at risk of exclusion, or have additional needs such as autism, ADHD, SEMH, anxiety, or chronic health conditions.

Gaia Learning works closely with:

  • Local Authorities (LAs)
  • Virtual Schools
  • Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs)
  • Parents and carers

We provide personalised, 1:1 or small group learning that is tailored, trauma-informed, and built with neurodivergent learners in mind. Our experienced educators support academic progress while also prioritising wellbeing, confidence and learner voice.

What is classed as "Alternative Provision"?

It’s a diverse ecosystem of providers and services, such as:

  • Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
  • Online schools and tutoring support (like Gaia Learning)
  • Charities and non-profits offering therapeutic or vocational programmes
  • Independent AP providers (can be for-profit or not-for-profit)
  • Local Authority-commissioned services
  • Specialist settings (e.g. for neurodivergent learners or those with EHCPs)
  • Hospital education services
  • Mentoring and outreach organisations

Why Gaia Learning?

  • Fully online and flexible - interest based personalised learning
  • Designed by and for neurodivergent minds
  • Trauma-informed and relationship-led
  • Curriculum-aligned and creatively delivered
  • Focused on confidence, belonging and real-world readiness
  • Flexible commissioning from 6 weeks + by families, schools or local authorities
  • Focus on re-integration and re-engagement

Gaialytics

Through our unique tool, Gaialytics, we track engagement, wellbeing and academic development, giving educators, families, and commissioners clear insight into learner growth over time.

What is Interest Based Learning?

Interest-based learning is an approach to education where a learner's curiosity, passions, and personal interests are used as the foundation for their learning journey.

Instead of starting with a fixed curriculum and expecting learners to adapt, it begins with what already lights them up — and builds meaningful learning experiences from there.

See courses

Interest Based Learning

At Gaia Learning, we know that kids are naturally curious and love exploring the things that excite them.

That’s where interest-based learning (IBL) comes in! It’s an approach that taps into their curiosity and guides them through a fun process of asking questions and finding answers based on what they’re really interested in.

And the key part? It’s guided—so it’s not just about getting better at hobbies, but about turning that curiosity into real, meaningful learning.

In IBL, learners take a more active role in shaping their own learning journey. By giving them a say in what they learn, we’re encouraging them to be more engaged and curious. It’s all about letting them connect what they already know to new ideas in a way that feels natural and exciting.