Alternative Provision
in Somerset
Somerset Council approved since August 2024. Our Taunton venue on Bridge Street serves families across the whole county.
Approved by Somerset Council since August 2024
About Our Somerset Provision
Player Ready Level-Up! Alternative Provision is Somerset Council Approved and based at 35 Bridge Street, Taunton. We were approved by Somerset Council in August 2024 and deliver specialised support in emotional well-being, mental health, and SEN through technology.
Our Somerset provision is child-led — sessions involve coding, robotics, VR, 3D modelling, video creation, and other tech-based activities. We offer coding lessons that build upon new skills each week resulting in a finished project at the end of each term. We work towards EHCP or Education Plan goals and produce progress reports for reviews.
Player Ready Somerset Level-Up! advocates for education through play and interaction. Sessions run Monday to Friday during term time, 09:00 to 15:00. We also offer hybrid delivery and AP-Lite group sessions for self-funding families.
AP Services in Somerset
Flexible options for young people in Somerset 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.
Somerset Area Information
Player Ready Taunton is located at 35 Bridge Street, next to Excalibur Gaming, with the Wood Street Car Park directly behind and dedicated parking spaces. The venue is centrally located in Taunton for easy access from across Somerset.
We serve families and schools across Somerset, including Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Glastonbury, Wells, Frome, and Minehead. Somerset Council commissions our services for EOTAS, EHCP, and Section 19 placements.
For families in parts of Somerset closer to Bristol, our online provision or the planned future Bristol-area expansion may also be relevant. North Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils also approve us.
Supporting Young People in Somerset
We work with young people aged 5-18 across Somerset 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 Somerset
Alternative provision can be funded through several routes.
- EHCP-funded provision via Somerset Council
- 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 without LA involvement
How to Refer from Somerset
- 1Complete our online Professional Referral Form or Parent Referral Form
- 2Email alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk
- 3We arrange a free discovery session at our Taunton venue
- 4We create a personalised plan aligned to EHCP outcomes
- 5Provision typically starts within 5-10 working days
Your Nearest Venue
Player Ready Taunton serves Somerset with in-person alternative provision.
Frequently Asked Questions — Somerset
Is Player Ready approved by Somerset Council?+
Yes. Player Ready was approved by Somerset Council in August 2024 for our venue-based and online alternative provision.
Where is the Taunton venue?+
Our venue is at 35 Bridge Street, Taunton TA1 1TP, next to Excalibur Gaming. Wood Street Car Park is directly behind us, and we have dedicated parking spaces.
Can families from Yeovil or Bridgwater access your services?+
Yes. Families anywhere in Somerset can access our services. Those who can travel attend our Taunton venue. For those in South Somerset or West Somerset where travel is less practical, our full online 1:1 mentoring is available.
What ages do you support in Somerset?+
We support young people aged 5-18 for alternative provision, and 16-19 for Post-16 NOCN qualifications. Post-16 students need a minimum of 6 hours per week to achieve accredited qualifications.
Make a Referral in Somerset
Whether you're a local authority, school, or parent in Somerset— we're here to help.
Email alternativeprovision@player-ready.co.uk or call 0117 463 3150