RESTA AP

For commissioners, caseworkers and schools

Psychology-led alternative provision you can commission with confidence.

RESTA AP provides 1:1, community-based alternative provision for young people from Year 5 upwards who are out of school or struggling to attend, many with SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) needs or emotionally based school avoidance. We are part of Brimstone Psychology, built on the RESTA Framework developed by Dr Esther Borrett, Educational and Child Psychologist, with every programme overseen by an Educational Psychologist.

What we provide

  • An EP-led initial assessment

    An Educational Psychologist decides suitability before any sessions are arranged.

  • A consistent RESTA Specialist

    Working 1:1 with the young person (occasionally 2:1).

  • Sessions of up to 3 hours

    Usually once or twice a week, in community settings.

  • A minimum of 28 sessions

    Across the five RESTA pathways: Safety, Connection & Belonging, Identity, Autonomy and Future Planning, with more sessions on a pathway where a young person needs them.

  • AQA Unit Awards and a learner portfolio

    Recognised certificates of achievement and a record of the young person's work.

  • A planned next step

    With a written handover to the receiving setting.

Reporting and progress

  • Half-term progress snapshots every six weeks for commissioners and families (narrative, not scores), so you're never without an update, even on longer placements.
  • Prompt contact if a young person doesn't attend.
  • Clear session records.

Safeguarding and quality

  • A Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy.
  • Enhanced DBS checks with children's barred list.
  • Safer recruitment.
  • Regular supervision with an Educational Psychologist.
  • Every community venue risk assessed before use.
  • Policies available on request; see our policies page.

How commissioning works

We respond to referrals within two working days.
  1. 1

    Referral and conversation

    Send us a referral and we'll talk it through with you.

  2. 2

    EP-led assessment

    An Educational Psychologist assesses needs and whether RESTA AP is the right fit.

  3. 3

    Costed proposal

    A clear plan and quote for you to agree.

  4. 4

    Matched and started

    The young person is matched with a RESTA Specialist and sessions begin.

  5. 5

    Reviews and transition

    Half-termly progress reviews, then a planned move on to what's next.

Funding routes

We provide a clear, costed quote for every young person.

  • Commissioned by a school or trust

    Directly by the young person's school or multi-academy trust.

  • Commissioned by the local authority

    For example, for children out of school or with EHC plans.

  • Through a personal budget

    As part of an EHC plan. About personal budgets.

Areas we cover

East of England
Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex
North West
Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cumbria

EHC plan wording

We can provide suggested wording for Section F to help describe the provision accurately.

Every referral starts with a conversation.

Make a referral or request a costed proposal for a young person, and we'll respond within two working days.

Request a costed proposalExplore our services