The Discovery Project
Nature and play-based alternative provision
A safe, inclusive space where primary school-aged pupils can rebuild confidence, explore their interests and reconnect with learning through nature, play and practical experiences.
The Discovery Project is a new alternative provision service currently being delivered for primary school-aged pupils at our Stockwell Adventure Playground. We provide child-led activities, practical learning and specialist support in a calm, trauma-informed environment. Every placement is shaped around each pupil’s strengths, interests and individual needs.
We also plan to develop provision for secondary school-aged pupils, with a focus on practical and vocational skills-based workshops.
CHILD-LED
Activities are shaped around each young person’s interests, strengths and abilities.
- Self-directed learning and play
- Individual goals and pathways
- Space to build confidence at their own pace
INCLUSIVE
A flexible service designed around the needs of each individual child or young person.
- SEMH and emotional wellbeing support
- Trauma-informed practice
- Disability and additional needs support
PRACTICAL
Learning happens through nature, movement, creativity and hands-on experiences.
- Nature and outdoor play
- Woodwork, cooking and bushcraft
- BMX, climbing, arts and practical projects
Young people are supported to make meaningful choices and explore activities that genuinely interest them. Our Playworkers follow the young person’s lead while providing structure, encouragement and appropriate support.
The Discovery Project supports children and young people with a wide range of needs, including those who may struggle to access traditional classroom learning. Placements are considered individually so that the level of support, environment and activities can be adapted appropriately.
Activities may include sensory play, pedal karts, BMX riding, pond dipping, whittling, gardening, den building, arts and crafts, music, teamwork challenges and quiet reflection.
CHILD-LED
Activities are shaped around each young person’s interests, strengths and abilities.
- Self-directed learning and play
- Individual goals and pathways
- Space to build confidence at their own pace
Young people are supported to make meaningful choices and explore activities that genuinely interest them. Our Playworkers follow the young person’s lead while providing structure, encouragement and appropriate support.
This approach helps children and young people build confidence, independence and a stronger sense of ownership over their learning.
INCLUSIVE
A flexible service designed around the needs of each individual child or young person.
- SEMH and emotional wellbeing support
- Trauma-informed practice
- Disability and additional needs support
The Discovery Project supports children and young people with a wide range of needs, including those who may struggle to access traditional classroom learning.
Placements are considered individually so that the environment, activities and level of support can be adapted around the young person.
PRACTICAL
Learning happens through nature, movement, creativity and hands-on experiences.
- Nature and outdoor play
- Woodwork, cooking and bushcraft
- BMX, climbing, arts and practical projects
Activities may include sensory play, pedal karts, BMX riding, pond dipping, whittling, gardening, den building, arts and crafts, music, teamwork challenges and quiet reflection.
Practical activities are used to build confidence, problem-solving skills, emotional regulation and a sense of achievement
Who is it for?
The Discovery Project is designed for children and young people who may benefit from learning outside a traditional classroom environment.
- struggling to engage with school
- needing support with confidence or emotional regulation;
- affected by trauma or significant disruption;
- benefiting from a smaller, more flexible environment.
The service may support children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, those who have experienced trauma, disabled children and young people, and those who respond better to practical, outdoor or child-led learning.
Placements are considered individually and can be arranged on a daily, weekly or termly basis. A free assessment visit is included before a placement begins.
PLACEMENT OPTIONS
Support can be tailored to the individual young person, with 1:1, enhanced 2:1 and small-group options available.If you want a one or two hour session for up to 16 young people on our karting track..
Enhanced support for young people who require a higher level of supervision or assistance.
A supported small-group setting for young people who benefit from learning alongside others.
A TYPICAL DISCOVERY DAY
The Discovery Project operates a standard five-hour day from 9:30am–2:30pm.
A typical day may include:
- 9:30am — Morning check-in: a calm welcome and opportunity to identify how the young person is feeling.
- 10:00am — Skill activity: practical activities such as building, whittling, gardening, cooking or creative work.
- 12:00pm — Lunch and play: time to eat, play and take part in simple shared responsibilities.
- 1:00pm — Student-led activity: self-directed play or a personal project.
- 2:00pm — Reflection: a short, supported reflection before transitioning back to home or school.
The programme remains flexible and is adapted around the young person’s needs, interests and abilities.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
Pupils will take part in Forest School-style activities and practical, child-led learning experiences in nature. Through outdoor exploration, creative activities and free play, children are encouraged to follow their interests, develop new skills and build confidence at their own pace.
- Woodwork
- Cooking
- Wildlife gardening
- Food growing
- Bike and kart maintenance
- Volunteering
- Youth leadership
- Bushcraft
Individualised learning opportunities can be developed around a young person’s interests and practical achievements.
Where appropriate, these activities can contribute towards recognised AQA accredited outcomes, helping young people turn practical success into meaningful achievement.
A TYPICAL DISCOVERY DAY
The Discovery Project operates a standard five-hour day from 9:30am–2:30pm.
A typical day may include:
- 9:30am — Morning check-in: a calm welcome and opportunity to identify how the young person is feeling.
- 10:00am — Skill activity: practical activities such as building, whittling, gardening, cooking or creative work.
- 12:00pm — Lunch and play: time to eat, play and take part in simple shared responsibilities.
- 1:00pm — Student-led activity: self-directed play or a personal project.
- 2:00pm — Reflection: a short, supported reflection before transitioning back to home or school.
The programme remains flexible and is adapted around the young person’s needs, interests and abilities.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
Pupils will take part in Forest School-style activities and practical, child-led learning experiences in nature. Through outdoor exploration, creative activities and free play, children are encouraged to follow their interests, develop new skills and build confidence at their own pace.
- Woodwork
- Cooking
- Wildlife gardening
- Food growing
- Bike and kart maintenance
- Volunteering
- Youth leadership
- Bushcraft
Individualised learning opportunities can be developed around a young person’s interests and practical achievements.
Where appropriate, these activities can contribute towards recognised AQA accredited outcomes, helping young people turn practical success into meaningful achievement.
Opening Hours
TERM TIME
Tuesday 9:30am – 2:30pm
Thursday 9:30am – 2:30pm
Stockwell Adventure Playground
33 Priory Grove, London SW8 2PD
Get In Touch
We welcome enquiries from schools, local authorities, professionals, parents and carers.
Email: inclusion@oasisplay.org.uk
Tel: 020 7622 8756