Alternative Provision
in Hampshire
Hampshire CC, Portsmouth CC, and Southampton CC quality assured. Our Portsmouth venue serves the whole of Hampshire.
Approved by Hampshire County Council since December 2024
About Our Hampshire Provision
Player Ready Level-Up! Alternative Provision Hampshire and Portsmouth is a local authority approved provider based in Fratton, Portsmouth, at the Bridge Shopping Centre. We are quality assured by Portsmouth City Council (from September 2024), Southampton City Council (from September 2024), and Hampshire County Council (from December 2024).
Our Hampshire provision delivers specialised support in emotional well-being, mental health, and SEN through engaging technology. Sessions involve coding, robotics, VR, 3D modelling, video creation, and other tech-based activities. We build upon new skills each week with finished projects each term.
Sessions run Monday to Friday during term time, 09:00 to 15:00. Hybrid delivery via Zoom or Teams is available when face-to-face attendance is not possible. We also offer AP-Lite — reduced-cost group sessions for self-funding families.
AP Services in Hampshire
Flexible options for young people in Hampshire 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.
Hampshire Area Information
Player Ready Portsmouth is located at the Bridge Shopping Centre, Fratton — easily accessible from across Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire area via the M27 and A3(M).
We serve families and schools across Hampshire, including Portsmouth, Southampton, Fareham, Gosport, Basingstoke, Winchester, Andover, Havant, and the Isle of Wight (via online). Three local authorities — Hampshire CC, Portsmouth CC, and Southampton CC — all commission our services.
For families in north Hampshire or areas where travel to Portsmouth is impractical, our full online 1:1 provision is available with the same mentors and curriculum.
Supporting Young People in Hampshire
We work with young people aged 5-18 across Hampshire 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 Hampshire
Alternative provision can be funded through several routes.
- EHCP-funded provision via Hampshire CC, Portsmouth CC, or Southampton CC
- EOTAS packages for young people unable to attend mainstream school
- Section 19 emergency provision
- Direct Payments from personal budgets
- Self-funded places including AP-Lite group sessions
- Schools can commission directly across all three council areas
How to Refer from Hampshire
- 1Complete our online Professional Referral Form or Parent Referral Form
- 2Email alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk
- 3We arrange a free discovery session to explore fit
- 4We create a personalised plan aligned to EHCP outcomes
- 5Provision typically starts within 5-10 working days
Your Nearest Venue
Player Ready Portsmouth serves Hampshire with in-person alternative provision.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hampshire
Which Hampshire councils approve Player Ready?+
Player Ready is approved by three councils serving Hampshire: Portsmouth City Council (from September 2024), Southampton City Council (from September 2024), and Hampshire County Council (from December 2024).
Where is the Portsmouth venue?+
Our venue is at the Bridge Shopping Centre, 93 Fratton Road, Portsmouth. It is easily accessible from across the city and wider Hampshire area.
Can students from Southampton access your services?+
Yes. We are approved by Southampton City Council and serve Southampton students via our Portsmouth venue or online. We also have plans for a dedicated Southampton venue in the future.
Is Basingstoke covered?+
Yes. Students in Basingstoke can access our full online provision. We also have plans for a future Basingstoke venue. Meanwhile, our Portsmouth venue is accessible via the A3(M) and M3.
What is the process for Hampshire schools to commission Player Ready?+
Hampshire schools can commission us directly for part-time, interim, or EOTAS support. Contact alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk and we will provide all documentation including safeguarding policies, DBS checks, insurance, and risk assessments.
Make a Referral in Hampshire
Whether you're a local authority, school, or parent in Hampshire— we're here to help.
Email alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk or call 0117 463 3150