Week 6 mid-programme review
Checks early stabilisation, literacy and numeracy baselines, and behaviour regulation. A formal report goes to the commissioning school to decide reintegration readiness or extension to Week 12.
KS3
Respite and recovery at Key Stage 3
A structured 6 to 12 week Respite and Recovery programme that stabilises learning, rebuilds literacy and numeracy confidence, and prepares for mainstream return or a longer pathway.
The 6 to 12 week stabilisation framework
Our KS3 provision is a targeted Respite and Recovery programme. It helps young people who are disengaged or in crisis settle safely, rebuild core skills and prepare for a successful return to mainstream school or a longer Evolution pathway.
Placement length is 6 to 12 weeks, agreed from how quickly each young person stabilises and is ready to learn.
Programme milestones and review schedule
Week 12 exit and transition review
A final THRIVE multi-disciplinary evaluation of programme completion, mainstream return, or transition onto a permanent KS4 pathway.
Phase 1: Stabilisation (Weeks 1 to 2)
About 12 to 15 hours a week. Focus on somatic regulation, safety, Key Adult trust, literacy and numeracy.
Phase 2: Integration (Weeks 3 to 4)
About 18 to 22 hours a week. STEM inquiry, creative arts and cooking, group work and daily wellbeing support.
Phase 3: Re-engagement and exit (Weeks 5 to 12)
25+ hours a week where ready. Transition plan execution toward mainstream return or full pathway placement.
KS3 Respite & Recovery is the short pathway in our curriculum journey. Young people arrive through referral and assessment, receive a personal learning plan, and focus on the academic and wellbeing foundations needed for a positive next step.
Breadth in a short placement
What KS3 still covers
Core learning
English and literacy, mathematics, personal development including PSHE and RSHE.
Creative and practical
Art and design, food and nutrition where offered, and creative wellbeing.
Physical development
Sport and physical wellbeing to rebuild confidence and belonging.
Digital and applied
ICT and digital skills, with applied science and STEM themes where the timetable allows.
Assessment
Baseline on entry, progress reviews during the placement, and exit assessment. Core English and Maths evidence may come from live teaching and/or Purple Ruler.
What the programme prioritises
Literacy
Baseline reading assessment and targeted support so young people can access the wider curriculum again.
Numeracy
Core number and functional maths support, matched to starting points and next-step goals.
Wellbeing and readiness
Relational support from a Key Adult, with practical strategies for emotions, relationships and readiness to learn.
Reintegration
Partnership with the referring school around readiness, phased return and ongoing support where appropriate.
How a placement typically runs
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Referral and consultation with the school or local authority
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Initial assessment and personal learning plan on entry
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Phase 1 stabilisation, then phased increase in hours
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Week 6 mid-programme THRIVE review and commissioner report
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Intensive academic learning, mentoring, sport and enrichment
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Week 12 exit review: reintegration or longer pathway destination
Related curriculum pages
Curriculum overview
Vision, pillars and journey
Literacy and reading
Reading strategy
Therapeutic approach
Relational support
Student journey
Referral to destination
Assessment framework
Entry to exit
Purple Ruler
English and Maths
Year 7 to 9 plans
ISS year-group plans
For schools and LAs
THRIVE oversight and reporting
Next step
Discuss a KS3 place
Professionals can email admissions or referrals to start a conversation.
