How do I get a place for my child?

Placements are usually arranged through your child's school or local authority. Get in touch and we'll help you understand the right route and support you through it.

Will I know what's happening day to day?

Yes. You'll have a named key worker and regular updates. We believe families should be genuine partners in their child's education.

What if my child is anxious about starting?

We expect that, and we plan for it. Starts are gentle and carefully paced, with time to build a relationship before we ask anything difficult of your child.

Can we visit before my child starts?

Yes. You can request a visit using our contact form. The team will get in touch to agree a date and time, and a visit request needs confirmation before you travel.

What ages do you support?

Our alternative provision supports young people from Key Stage 3 to post-16. For disabled children and young people and those with additional needs, aged 5 and over, Care Cove also offers short breaks in Sheffield.

For parents & carers

A parent's guide to alternative provision in Sheffield

If school has been hard, you've probably worried a lot. Care Cove is an alternative provision in Sheffield where your child is met with warmth and high expectations, and where you're supported too.

Care Cove in motion01 / 03

Your perspective matters.

Parents and carers know their young person in ways a new setting cannot. We want to hear that perspective.

What to expect

What parents and carers can expect from day one

Safe & nurturing

Small numbers, high staff ratios and a calm environment where your child can feel secure enough to learn again.

Truly understood

We take time to know your child as a person, including their strengths, triggers and hopes, beyond what is in their file.

Kept in the loop

Honest, regular contact so you always know how your child is doing, and can be part of the plan.

Confidence rebuilt

Through early wins, sport and vocational success, we help your child rediscover what they're capable of.

Family support

Practical strategies and a listening ear for the whole family. You're not doing this alone.

Learn more

Always reachable

A named key worker you can talk to, and a team that genuinely picks up the phone.

Young people sharing food and talking around a table

A welcoming environment

A gentle start

We go at your child's pace, not ours

Starting somewhere new is daunting, especially after a difficult time. We take it slowly: building a relationship first, keeping early days low-pressure, and only ever asking more of your child once they feel safe.

You'll always have someone to talk to, and you'll always be part of the plan. If your child has SEND or an EHCP, read about our SEND and SEMH support.

Getting started

How to get started as a parent or carer

1
Talk to us
Get in touch for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about your child. You do not need to have every answer to begin.
2
Find the right route
Placements are usually arranged through your child's school or local authority. We will help you understand the right route and support you through it.
3
Visit and ask questions
A conversation or an arranged visit is a chance to ask questions and understand our approach. A visit request is confirmed with you before you travel.
4
A gentle start
Your child begins with a named key worker, low-pressure early days and time to build a relationship before we ask anything difficult of them.

Talk to our team Request a visit

Your questions

Questions from parents and carers

Not at all. It's exactly why we exist. Many of our young people arrive having had a hard time in mainstream. We start with no judgement, rebuild trust, and move at your child's pace.

Ready when you are

Let's talk about your child.

Get in touch for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about how we could help.

Contact our team For young people