Stop Gap Stafford
A short-term provision opening in September 2025, providing an individual pathway of help and support to young people who are struggling in school.
Introducing Stop Gap Stafford: Short-Term Alternative Provision for Primary Pupils
We’re excited to launch Stop Gap Stafford (opening September 2025) – a brand-new, short-term alternative provision (AP) designed to support primary-aged children who need a pause, a reset, or the right space to thrive.
What is Stop Gap Stafford?
Stop Gap Stafford offers high-quality, short-term placements for pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2 who are struggling to manage in mainstream settings. Whether due to social, emotional, behavioural or situational challenges, we provide a calm, nurturing and structured environment that helps children reset and reintegrate with confidence.
Take a look around!
Get in touch to take a look at our brand-new alternative provision and find out how we can support your pupils.
Take a look around!
We’re happy to offer visits for school staff and professionals by appointment. If you’d like to explore the setting, meet the team, or discuss how we can support your pupils, just get in touch to arrange a time that suits you.
About the provision:
- An opportunity for young people to re-engage in a learning environment.
- An option to partake in the AQA Unit Award Scheme
- Regular updates & transparent reporting
Who We Support
- Pupils at risk of exclusion
- Children experiencing emotional dysregulation or high anxiety
- Those returning to school after prolonged absence
- Young learners in need of an urgent, stabilising intervention
What Makes Stop Gap Stafford Different?
- Child-centred approach
- Small group learning with experienced staff
- Bespoke reintegration plans
- A safe, welcoming space that prioritises emotional wellbeing
- Access to intervention-based learning and behaviour coaching
Proven Track Record of Success
This may be our first provision in Stafford – but it’s far from our first.
We have extensive experience running successful alternative provisions, including:
Click here to see more about Stop Gap Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Click here to take a look at The Valiant School’s website.
Our existing APs are trusted by dozens of schools across the region, and we’ve supported hundreds of pupils through tailored, trauma-informed interventions that prioritise both wellbeing and educational progress. We’re proud of our reputation for quality, integrity, and impact – and we’re bringing that same approach to Stafford.
Our Process
A referral form would be submitted from school, an SLA would be populated and we would generally talk with significant parties to discuss and agree the desired outcomes, objectives and timescales. To request a referral from, please email: info@vipeducation.co.uk
A member of our support staff would arrange to meet with the young person, either within the home or at our provision.
We consider individual needs and plan our input, collating evidence from school and a significant adult.
A timetable is agreed with all relevant parties and Stop Gap staff will inform the school if the young person does not attend. This is always carried out within 30 minutes of the arranged start time.
As part of the induction, we will carry out a baseline assessment which will enable us to set personal targets for each young person. This is conducted on our platform (My Individual Pathway) and reviewed every six weeks.
We believe in regular contact with all relevant parties to ensure everyone is kept informed of changes to circumstances. Support staff will send weekly reports to school.
After six weeks of attending the Stop Gap provision, a meeting is conducted with all relevant parties to discuss the next steps, including additional reintegration support.
About the 'My Individual Pathway' Platform
At Stop Gap, we use My Individual Pathway – a platform we have developed, tailored specifically to our alternative provision. It allows us to monitor each pupil’s progress through weekly updates and detailed reports every 4–6 weeks. When a pupil joins, we complete an initial baseline using our matrix system, which is then reviewed regularly to reflect their development. All staff involved with the pupil contribute to the reports, providing a well-rounded view of their journey. This collaborative approach helps us stay aligned with referring schools and ensures each pupil receives consistent, targeted support.
Academic Offer at Stop Gap Stafford
We’re able to offer a range of courses for pupils to complete within our Stop Gap provision. These are mentored and taught by our experienced staff.
AQA Unit Award Scheme
A small group tuition where pupils can gain an AQA certificate each time they successfully complete a unit of learning. This course consists of:
- Practical tasks
- Theory work
- Assessment
Students can build up a portfolio of certificates to evidence their skills, knowledge and experience. Our tutors select units they want to teach from an extensive library, some of these units can be completed in as little as one day.
