PS Assistance Dog Register

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Alternative provision

"If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn" - Ignacio Estrada

Why Choose Pawsitive Squad as your alternative provision provider


Our alternative provision is designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent and disabled young people who may find traditional educational settings challenging or inaccessible.

Our 1:1 trauma informed, neurodiversity affirming provision is led by a highly qualified and experienced professional with qualifications including a Postgraduate Micro credential in Online Teaching: Accessibility and Inclusive Learning, a BSc (Hons) Open Degree, and over nine years of experience as a professional dog trainer and assistance dog owner.

As a disability-led organisation, we understand the lived experiences of our learners and their families and we intentionally create spaces that are respectful, empowering and adapted to every learners individual needs and aspirations. 

Choosing us means choosing a safe, supportive and expert-led alternative provision that champions accessibility, celebrates neurodiversity, and puts the learner at the heart of every decision.


Eligibility



  • Aged 7 to 20 years old.
  • Parental supervision required for under 16's.
  • Not accessing a full time school based time table (e.g. receiving EOTAS, part time school time table, accessing interim provision service, accessing alternative provision as therapeutic support on roll at  school). Unfortunately, this service is not for elective home educating learners.
  • Able to attend virtually, this can be parent facilitated with camera & mic off, camera just on parent etc. whatever makes the provision accessible to the learner.
  • Need to have a reliable internet connection and laptop.
  • Recommended to own a dog, though this is not vital. 

Structure & contents

Our provision is usually completely virtual. 

All learners are initially offer 1 hour per week, this could be split into 2 x 30 minute sessions. We understand it often takes time to build up the session lengths and this is ok.

Where we think it might benefit the learner, for example if they're working towards a qualification/ arts award with our tutoring support and if our availability allows we will offer an extra 2 hours per week, giving 3 hours per week of provision total.

We run 3 x 12 week terms per year. Sessions are typically offered in the morning, though evening sessions may be available if required due to the learners individual needs. 

Every alternative provision is completely unique.  Alternative provision packages may be therapeutic, educational or combined. 

We might include:

  • Animal assisted interventions
  • Mentorship
  • Assistance dog training
  • Arts awards discovery to silver
  • Animal first aid
  • Tutoring towards RQF level 2 dog qualifications
  • Work experience
  • Anything else the learner wishes to explore

Local authorities we've worked with


We are so grateful to have our work funded as part of EOTAS (education other than at school) or IPS (interim provision service) by several local authorities. 

We are, or have previously, been funded by the following local authorities whether directly or via a personal budget:

  • Nottinghamshire
  • Derby
  • Leicestershire
  • East Sussex
  • Surrey
  • Kent
  • Sefton 

We're also delighted to have been commissioned by several schools for alternative provision. 

We are always happy to work with/ be commissioned by/ become approved providers with other local authorities and families from across the UK. 


including your dog in your provision with us



Many of our alternative provision services involve interaction with dogs for canine-assisted activities and assistance dog training. Families may choose to involve their own dog in virtual provision where appropriate.

To be eligible for participation, the dog must:

  • Not be raw fed, due to the increased risk of Salmonella and E. coli in raw-fed dogs, which could be passed to their human handlers during sessions.
  • Have a suitable temperament for therapeutic work.
  • Have their needs met in line with the 5 freedoms outlined in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Important: The dog remains the sole responsibility of its owner. Pawsitive Squad CIC is not liable for the behaviour or welfare of any privately owned animal used in virtual sessions.

Want to join our alternative provision?

We are so excited you are considering accessing our alternative provision. We are happy to consult directly with local authorities or schools. We can also provide a proposal & quote for families wishing to ask the school/ LA to consider our provision including requesting as personal budget.

For parents/ carer applications:


For LAs:

  • Please email us a consultation form if we are already an approved provider with yourselves at enquiries@pawsitivesquad.co.uk.
  • If you are a new local authority to our service, please email us at enquiries@pawsitivesquad.co.uk, we will provide our due diligence file containing policies, DBS checks and everything you should need to decide if we are a suitable provider. We will also 


For schools:

  • Please email us at enquiries@pawsitivesquad.co.uk. We will be happy to discuss your learners needs, how we can support etc.

©copyright 2018-2026 Pawsitive Squad CIC.

All rights Reserved.

Pawsitive Squad is a registered community interest company (non profit organisation) number 1145 1119 (England and Wales)

enquiries@pawsitivesquad.co.uk




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