Bespoke Specialist Provision - Schools
The Koru Project is a provider of alternative specialist provision for Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. We receive referrals directly from both local authorities under the categories of inclusion and re-engagement in education.
Koru BSP is therapeutic in nature and is offered for up to two terms intervention which may be extended according to need if funding is available.
We provide intensive and individual attention to prepare children for a group setting and work to establish or repair the essential interior safety, confidence to trust and self-value that is necessary for emotional and behavioural regulation.
The aim of The Koru Project within the overarching objectives of the referral is to provide individually tailored therapeutic support for the child.
Koru practitioners work 1-1, or 2 practitioners -1 child, according to need.
During sessions, Koru practitioners help children to process difficult emotions by co-regulating with them through an attuned and empathetic relationship and creative shared activities. Practitioners seek to establish a sense of safety for the child and to model kind, reciprocal communication.
Over time, this consistent and compassionate approach helps to restore the child’s nervous system from being on high alert, and enables them to reach a more rested and regulated state and to make more positive choices for themselves and towards others.
The therapeutic foundation of our work prepares the child to engage with education by meeting their needs first so that they are emotionally ready to learn, relate effectively to peers and participate more fully with the curriculum.
In this way, our provision supports not only the child referred but also their class, teachers and school as a whole.
Towards the end of the sessions, as practitioners prepare the child for a supportive closure, a more structured environment that has elements of timetabled activities and curriculum based learning is introduced at a pace that matches the aptitudes, readiness and development of the child.
Koru BSP is provided for up to two terms intervention.
The Koru Project uses the Thrive assessment model to record and assess each young person’s emotional and behavioural development and to give insight into their ability to engage with aspects of curriculum and specific ways of learning. Practitioners are supported by a qualified SENCO and Thrive practitioner who trains staff and completes assessments.
Thrive approach provide an invaluable holistic and child-centred record of each child’s development and change during the BSP intervention. It provides essential information for teachers and schools to meet the needs of each child when they are ready to join or re-integrate with the class.
For more information about Thrive Assessment please go to:
If, by the midpoint review of sessions, it becomes clear that a child will need extended support before re-engagement or inclusion in school, Koru practitioners, in liaison with the teaching staff, may recommend continued intervention, in order that further funding may be sought.
The Koru Project has a robust safeguarding system in place and practitioners are equipped follow child safeguarding procedure as required.
All Koru practitioners who work with clients have DBS enhanced certification, safeguarding level 3, first aid training and on-call support from a safeguarding lead to ensure best practice and child safety.
For further information about the specialisms used by the Koru team in BSP, please visit our team and specialisms page: