Alternative Provision
in Devon
Devon County Council approved. Two venues serving the whole county — Plymouth and Exeter — plus online nationwide.
Approved by Devon County Council since December 2025
About Our Devon Provision
Player Ready Level-Up! Alternative Provision Devon is a Devon County Council approved provider, accepted onto their framework in December 2025. We deliver specialised support in emotional well-being, mental health, and SEN through engaging technology. Our mentors connect with students in a relatable manner, fostering trust and rapport — crucial for effective support.
Our Devon provision is educational but carried out through a child-led lens to ensure it meets each student's needs. Sessions involve coding lessons, robotics, Virtual Reality, 3D modelling, video creation and editing, and other tech-based activities in a relaxed, supportive environment. We build upon new skills each week resulting in a finished project at the end of each term.
We are committed to working towards educational goals through an EHCP or Education Plan and produce progress reports that contribute to reviews. Sessions run Monday through Friday during term time between 09:00 and 15:00, with hybrid delivery via Zoom or Teams available when face-to-face attendance is not possible.
AP Services in Devon
Flexible options for young people in Devon who need an alternative to mainstream school.
1:1 Mentoring
Dedicated mentor sessions tailored to the student's needs and interests. In-venue or online.
Small Group Sessions
In-venue group sessions with a maximum of 4 students. Social skills through shared gaming activities.
Online Nationwide
1:1 mentoring via video call using Minecraft, Roblox, and coding platforms. Available anywhere.
Post-16 Qualifications
NOCN accredited courses in game development and digital skills for 16-19 year olds.
Devon Area Information
Devon has a large rural population making access to specialist SEND provision challenging. Player Ready's two Devon venues — Exeter on Marsh Barton with free parking and easy road links, and Plymouth near the Barbican Leisure Park — provide physical locations for families across the county.
Devon County Council's SEND team commissions alternative provision for young people with EHCPs and those requiring EOTAS or Section 19 placements. Schools across Devon, including those in Barnstaple, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Torbay, and the South Hams, can also commission directly.
For families in North Devon or Mid Devon where travel to either venue is impractical, our full online provision is available with the same mentors, curriculum, and reporting.
Supporting Young People in Devon
We work with young people aged 5-18 across Devon who are struggling in mainstream education. This includes students with autism (ASD), ADHD, anxiety, social-emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), school refusers, and those who have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion.
Our approach uses gaming and technology — Minecraft, Roblox, coding, and digital creativity — as the foundation for learning. We don't replicate school. We create something different: calm, focused, and built around what the student actually enjoys.
Every approach is unique. We assess each student individually, match them with the right mentor, and create a personalised plan that addresses their specific needs and goals. Sessions are part-time — typically 3 to 15 hours per week.
Funding Options in Devon
Alternative provision can be funded through several routes.
- EHCP-funded provision commissioned via Devon County Council or directly through schools
- EOTAS packages for young people unable to attend mainstream school
- Section 19 emergency provision for students out of education for 15+ days
- Direct Payments from personal budgets
- Self-funded places available, including reduced-cost AP-Lite group sessions for EHE families
- Schools can commission directly without LA involvement
How to Refer from Devon
- 1Complete our online Professional Referral Form or Parent Referral Form
- 2Alternatively, email alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk with the student's needs
- 3We arrange a free discovery session to explore fit and meet mentors
- 4We create a personalised plan aligned to EHCP outcomes or education goals
- 5Provision typically starts within 5-10 working days of referral
Your Nearest Venues
Player Ready Plymouth & Exeter serves Devon with in-person alternative provision.
Plymouth
2 Lockyers Quay, Plymouth, Devon
01752 986658
plymouth@player-ready.co.uk
Exeter
Grace Road Central, Marsh Barton, Exeter, Devon EX2 8QA
01392 712245
exeter@player-ready.co.uk
Online Option
Can't travel to a venue? Our online 1:1 mentoring is available from anywhere in Devon.
alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions — Devon
Is Player Ready approved by Devon County Council?+
Yes. Player Ready was accepted as an approved alternative provision provider by Devon County Council in December 2025. We are listed on their approved providers framework for EOTAS, EHCP, Section 19, and direct school commissioning.
Where are your Devon venues?+
We have two venues in Devon. Our Exeter venue is at Passmore House, Marsh Barton — easy road links with free parking. Our Plymouth venue is at 2 Lockyers Quay, near the Barbican Leisure Park and Aquarium, with nearby parking at the multi-storey car park.
Can students in North Devon access your provision?+
Yes. While our physical venues are in Exeter and Plymouth, our full online 1:1 mentoring programme is available to students anywhere in Devon. We use the same curriculum, mentors, and reporting for online delivery.
What is AP-Lite?+
AP-Lite is our reduced-length alternative provision designed for self-funding parents. These two-hour SEND-friendly group sessions of up to six young people sit between our Clubs and full AP. They are ideal for Elective Home Educators or families awaiting funding.
Do you offer hybrid delivery?+
Yes. When face-to-face attendance is difficult due to physical or mental health, our mentors can work in a hybrid environment using Zoom or Teams to deliver our curriculum remotely.
Make a Referral in Devon
Whether you're a local authority, school, or parent in Devon— we're here to help.
Email alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk or call 0117 463 3150