Grinling Gardens: Lewisham Primary Alternative Provision

Grinling Gardens is a specialist Alternative Provision (AP) based at Grinling Gibbons Primary School, established to support primary-aged pupils attending Lewisham schools who are at risk of exclusion. The provision offers targeted intervention and personalised support to help pupils successfully re-engage with learning and prepare for a return to their mainstream school.

The children accessing the alternative provision will have:  

• Access to a full, rich and relevant curriculum that is adapted the individual pupil’s needs and the needs of the cohort.
• Opportunities to develop both socially and academically.
• Specialist support through teaching in small class sizes.
• A positive and trauma informed approach to learning.
• Access to specialist professionals.

The approach at Grinling Gardens is one that is flexible, trauma informed, relational and responsive to the individual needs of each child. The aim of Grinling Gardens is to support behaviour and self-regulation; develop resilience and independent learning skills and to develop strategies to overcome specific barriers.  Our aim is for children to return to inclusive mainstream education; however, we also support children going through the EHCP process who may require a specialist provision moving forward.

The experienced staff at Grinling Gardens work tirelessly to provide learners with the best possible education and pastoral support in order to unlock their potential and improve their life chances.  We do all we can to develop the independence, confidence, empathy, social skills and emotional self-regulation of our pupils.  These are the skills they will need to access education and make and maintain friendships and relationships throughout their life. This includes linking in with the mainstream school and spending time in a mainstream setting if appropriate.

There are two classes, each staffed by a class teacher and a teaching assistant. The Assistant Headteacher provides support across both classes and works closely with the Executive Headteacher, Local Authority, and SENCO to monitor pupil progress, coordinate reintegration arrangements, and oversee admissions.

Placements are initially offered for a 12-week period and are reviewed at weeks 3, 6, and 9 to monitor progress and ensure the provision continues to meet the child’s needs.

From week 10, pupils begin a phased reintegration into their mainstream school, supported by the Lewisham Outreach Inclusion Service. By the end of the 12-week placement, pupils are expected to have returned to their mainstream school on a full-time basis.

The best interests of the child are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing tailored support that enables each pupil to make positive progress, develop confidence, and achieve long-term success both in school and beyond.

Contact details :

Executive Headteacher:  Dean Gordon

dgordon7.209@phoenix439.org

AHT Alternative Provision Lead: Stephen Orton

sorton14.209@phoenix439.org

“Staff in the school’s specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND, ‘Grinling Gardens’, adapt the curriculum well for pupils who attend the provision. As a result, pupils are successful in their learning. Leaders have ensured that these pupils are fully included in wider school events.” (OFSTED 2026)