Ark Provision

A nurturing space where our young people rebuild confidence, develop resilience and reconnect with learning.

The Ark is Falcons Learning’s specialist nurture provision, designed to support young people who need additional time, care and understanding in order to re-engage with learning.

Some arrive feeling overwhelmed by the demands of a busy classroom, finding it difficult to regulate their emotions, build relationships or believe in their own ability to succeed. The Ark provides a calm, structured and nurturing environment where students can feel safe, understood and ready to begin learning again.

Our work is underpinned by the core Falcons values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. Our young people are supported to show respect for themselves and others, develop responsibility for their choices and learning, and build the resilience needed to face challenges with growing confidence.

At Ark, we understand that emotional development and learning go hand in hand. By strengthening relationships, developing regulation and building confidence, students rediscover the enjoyment and purpose of learning.

Ark is an important part of the Falcons journey - but it is not the destination. Our aim is always to support learners so they can successfully transition to the wider school community and move forward with confidence.

The Ark Pathway

A1 - Learning Through Play

A1 focuses on rebuilding the foundations of learning through a play-based and relational approach.

Young people entering Ark 1 benefit from opportunities to revisit earlier stages of development where learning happens through exploration, play, creativity and shared experiences. Through carefully planned play-based activities, they develop communication, cooperation, emotional regulation and confidence.

Supportive relationships with adults are central at this stage. Staff create a secure and predictable environment where our learners feel safe to explore, take risks and rediscover enjoyment in learning.

This stage helps them feel connected, understood and ready to engage with learning again.

A2 - Consolidation and Growth

Ark 2 supports learners to consolidate the skills and confidence they have developed and begin preparing for greater independence within the wider school environment.

Learning experiences become more structured, supporting students to strengthen academic engagement, problem-solving and teamwork. They continue developing responsibility, resilience and emotional regulation while building the confidence needed to manage challenges more independently.

This stage prepares our young people to successfully transition to the wider school and to participate confidently in both school life and society.