TAO Activities

TAO Activities is a nationally recognised therapeutic alternative provision and registered school that blends education, therapy and outdoor adventure into one seamless model. We are the UK’s first Alternative Provision to design and deliver a Resilience Informed Practice framework, a pioneering step beyond trauma-informed approaches. Where trauma-informed practice helps pupils recover, Resilience Informed Practice actively builds lasting capacity, teaching young people how to cope, adapt and thrive even in challenging circumstances.

Our delivery is rooted in the therapeutic Te Whare Tapa Whā framework, adapted from Māori practice. This holistic approach balances physical health, emotional and mental wellbeing, family and social connection, and identity or spiritual growth. Every young person receives wraparound support that recognises them as a whole person, not just a set of needs.

This dual framework of Resilience Informed Practice and Te Whare Tapa Whā sets TAO apart from any other provision in the UK. It enables us to go beyond education and behaviour management, providing a complete intervention model that addresses the roots of difficulties, restores stability, and prepares pupils for long-term success.

Our closed-loop offer includes:

Learning and Therapy

Education in Key Stage 2 and 3 Maths, English and Science taught through hands-on, outdoor and therapeutic methods that re-engage pupils in learning

Therapeutic support through in-house multi-systemic therapy, art counselling, nurture group practice and daily therapeutic input across the timetable

Outdoor and Resilience Building

Accredited climbing, canoeing, caving, mountain biking, walking and bushcraft programmes used as structured interventions to build confidence, trust and emotional regulation

A resilience framework where pupils progress through defined stages of relationship building, trying new experiences, specialisation with accreditation, and learning to recognise and manage emotional responses

Mindfulness and grounding activities woven into every session to help pupils manage anxiety and stress

Family, Community and Pathways

Family and community support, with parents and carers provided with strategies and tools alongside residential programmes so that progress extends into home life

Crime prevention and positive pathways through early-intervention programmes such as Stop the Cycle, which reframe identity, address risky behaviours and support safer life choices

Post-16 preparation with work experience, vocational qualifications and tailored progression programmes to support successful transitions into college, apprenticeships or employment

Parents and young people tell us that they feel calmer, more confident and more motivated about their future after engaging with TAO. Many describe our provision as the first place they have felt truly understood and supported.

Our unique selling point is that TAO is the only provision in the UK to integrate Resilience Informed Practice, the Te Whare Tapa Whā therapeutic model and outdoor-adventure-based education into a single closed-loop system. This makes our model uniquely effective in achieving both short-term re-engagement and long-term transformation.

Our outcomes over seven years demonstrate the impact:

94.6% average attendance (96.3% last year)
100% of pupils transition into education, training or employment
100% achieve at least five vocational qualifications
100% reduce negative incidents by 70% or more
100% record improved anxiety scores (reduced GAD)

TAO Activities is not just another alternative provision. It is a complete therapeutic ecosystem proven to change trajectories, reduce system demand and help young people build the skills and resilience they need to thrive.

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