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About Us

Unified Needs is an Alternative Provision (AP) service in Cambridgeshire, created to support children and young people aged 6 – 18 who are finding it difficult to thrive in mainstream education. Our mission is to provide a safe, structured and nurturing environment where learners can re-engage, rebuild confidence and prepare for successful reintegration into school or their next stage of education. We combine academic learning, wellbeing support and outdoor opportunities to meet the whole needs of each child. Every placement is short term, flexible and personalised, giving learners the right support at the right time.

Unified Needs exists to make sure every child has the chance to learn, grow and thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Unified Needs works in close partnership with schools, local authorities, SEND services and families. This ensures our provision enhances existing education pathways, while providing early intervention that prevents exclusion and opens positive futures. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to:

  • Personalised learning that adapts to each child’s strengths and needs.
  • Emotional safety and wellbeing as the foundation for progress.
  • Strong safeguarding and compliance in line with local and national AP standards.
  • Collaboration with families and professionals to ensure joined-up support.

Our Services

A child focused on a learning activity.

Education & Learning

Is homework a nightly battle? Our mentors are trained to move at your child’s pace, to find methods that work for them, and to celebrate their progress every step of the way.

  • Personalised learning that adapts to each child’s strengths and needs.
  • Emotional safety and wellbeing as the foundation for progress.
  • Strong safeguarding and compliance in line with local and national AP standards.
  • Collaboration with families and professionals to ensure joined-up support.
Hands holding a heart-shaped stone.

Personal Development & Wellbeing

Our wellbeing mentors provide a kind and patient ear, helping children build confidence and find positive ways to manage their emotions. It’s a gentle, supportive space for them to grow.

  • Wellbeing Support: Focus on confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation through mentoring and therapeutic activities.
  • Outdoor & Community Learning: Farm, nature and community based activities that develop teamwork, life skills and self esteem
  • Short Term Focus: Placements are designed as short term interventions to re engage learners, reduce exclusions and prepare for a successful return to school.
A child exploring a forest path.

Safeguarding & Welfare

Our wellbeing mentors provide a kind and patient ear, helping children build confidence and find positive ways to manage their emotions. It’s a gentle, supportive space for them to grow.

  • Safeguarding First: All policies, risk assessments and reporting systems meet local authority and national safeguarding standards.
  • Emotional Safety: Every programme prioritises safe, inclusive environments where children feel valued and supported.
  • Health & Safety Compliance: Qualified first aid cover, health and safety procedures and ongoing monitoring of provision.
A child exploring a forest path.

Partnerships & Accountability

We believe that true progress happens when everyone works together. That’s why we don’t just offer a placement; we build a complete circle of support around your child.

  • Working Together: Collaboration with schools, SEND services, local authority teams and Early Help to ensure placements enhance existing provision.
  • Progress Monitoring: Regular updates to parents, schools and LAs with clear reports on attendance, learning and wellbeing.
  • Family Involvement: Families are included in planning and review to strengthen consistency between home and placement.

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

We are driven by a passion to empower families. Through advocacy, education, and community-building, we strive to create a world where every child with special needs has the opportunity to thrive, and every parent feels supported and valued on their unique journey. At Unified Needs, we believe no child or family should ever feel alone or overlooked. We see you, we hear you, and we are here to walk alongside you. Our mission is to create a compassionate circle of support that embraces the complete educational, emotional, and social well-being of every child. We are a dedicated partner for families, schools, and local services, committed to building bridges where barriers exist. By fostering understanding and connection, we turn exclusion into engagement and pave the way for bright, positive futures. Our ultimate hope is to see every child thrive back in a mainstream school setting.

Our Vision

To unify the educational, emotional, and social needs of children and families under one inclusive, responsive, and compassionate support framework. Unified Needs aspires to become a trusted partner to local schools, services, and families helping to reduce exclusion, increase engagement, and promote long-term positive outcomes for children who are often overlooked by traditional systems.

Our ultimate aim is reintegration: Wherever possible, we work towards reintroducing children into mainstream school settings without isolating the family or the student. We recognise that carers need a break too, and our service is designed to support the whole family while preparing the child for a successful return to school life.

Why Choose Us

A child smiling.A happy parent and child.A supportive community.A therapist working with a child.Abstract representing hope.A child smiling.
A child learning.Hands held in support.A serene landscape.Children playing.A smiling face.Abstract representing creativity.
  • Tailored learning to match each child’s individual needs.
  • Strong safeguarding policies and trained staff.
  • Flexible placements — no EHCP required to start.
  • Balance of academic, emotional, and practical support.
  • Focus on confidence, resilience, and independence.

At 'Unified Needs', We envision a future where families of children with special needs are fully integrated and supported within their communities. A future where access to resources is simple, stigmas are eliminated, and hope is a constant companion for every caregiver.

What Our Families Say

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