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The programme Who we support Referral process For schools Families & young people Outcomes & evidence About pathways Policies & documents Refer a pupil

Part-time alternative provision • Gateshead

Build a week that feels brighter.

NLG Pathways offers bespoke programmes for KS3 and KS4 pupils experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) or similar barriers to attending and engaging with school.

Refer a pupil See what a Pathways day includes
The pathways reception and breakout area
KS3 & KS4 bespoke support 2 or 3 days per week 9:30–2:30 typical day Small by design calm groups Attendance before crisis point

Find the information you need.

Pathways works with schools, families and young people. Choose the route that best describes what you need today.

01

For schools

Referrals, suitability and commissioning

Programme structure, responsibilities, reporting, safeguarding and the practical information needed before making a referral.

Refer a pupil Information for schools →
02

For parents and carers

Visits, practical details and what happens next

See how Pathways works alongside school, what a placement involves and how families remain part of the plan.

Information for families →
03

For young people

What the place and the day are actually like

Look around the building, see the daily timetable and find answers to the questions young people commonly ask.

What to expect →

Who Pathways supports

When a referral may be appropriate

Pathways is intended as earlier support while a pupil still has an active connection with school.

Read the full suitability guidance →
A young person being welcomed into a calm learning setting
1  2  3See the three referral signs
  1. 1

    School is still part of their week

    They continue to attend, but attendance is becoming inconsistent or particular lessons, transitions or parts of the day are increasingly difficult.

  2. 2

    The pattern is beginning to change

    Absence is increasing, classroom confidence is falling, or anxiety and emotional barriers are making reliable engagement harder.

  3. 3

    There is still room to intervene early

    A smaller setting for part of the week could help rebuild routines and confidence before attendance deteriorates further.

Four Pillars of Success

The four pillars of every Pathways placement

A young person and adult building a practical personal project together
01–04Explore the four pillars
  1. 1

    Rebuilding routines

    Arriving, following a timetable, changing activities, taking breaks and spending time alongside peers.

  2. 2

    Classroom confidence

    Regular English, maths and classroom-based learning in a manageable environment.

  3. 3

    Breaking down barriers

    Group and one-to-one work to identify concerns, triggers, useful strategies and ways to communicate needs.

  4. 4

    A personal project

    A realistic project shaped around something the pupil genuinely wants to investigate, make or achieve.

Daily timetable

A typical day at Pathways

The structure is predictable, while individual sessions can respond to key stage, current needs and pupil welfare.

The pathways learning space prepared for small-group work
9:20–2:30See the full daily timetable
pathways · Daily planA typical timetable
TimeWhat happens
Arrival and a calm start

Pupils settle in and prepare for the day. Attendance is shared with schools at 10am.

Morning learning and support

English, maths and group intervention work, with a break and changeover between sessions.

Lunch
Afternoon session

Maths, a foundation subject or personal-project work depending on key stage and individual plans.

Recognition and recreation

Review the day, recognise progress and prepare for departure or collection.

For schools

What happens after you refer?

The initial form starts a conversation. It is not a full pupil dossier or a commitment to place.

Three adults discussing a pupil referral together
01–04See what happens after referring
  1. 01
    You send

    The starting picture

    Current attendance, engagement, known barriers and support already in place.

  2. 02
    We consider

    Could Pathways add something useful?

    We review likely fit and speak with school about the intended attendance and engagement outcomes.

  3. 03
    Everyone sees

    The place before deciding

    The pupil, parent or carer and school representative can visit, meet the team and ask practical questions.

  4. 04
    Together we agree

    A programme with a purpose

    Days, school attendance, targets, communication and review points are written into one shared plan.

Start a pupil referral Read the complete process

Arrival mapThe National Learning Group, Waterside Drive

Loads automatically as you approach

Explore the local areaThe interactive map will load automatically as you approach this section.

By carEnter from Wellington Road onto Waterside Drive.

ParkingUse the spaces beside the pathways units.

Public transportMetrocentre rail and bus interchange is nearby.

Open The National Learning Group in Google Maps

For pupils and families

What to expect when you visit

You do not have to decide from a webpage. If Pathways may be suitable, the pupil, a parent or carer and a member of school staff can visit together.

  • Visits usually happen while the provision is quiet.
  • Parking and drop-off are beside the pathways units.
  • There is time to meet the team and ask practical questions.
  • We will confirm arrival details with you before the visit.
Information for families and young people

Next step

Refer a pupil or speak to us first.

School professionals can complete the referral form now. If you need to ask a question before referring, call or email the pathways team.

Refer a pupil Call0191 743 3360 Email[email protected]