Rama Life Supporting Schools
Alternative Provision that helps young people reconnect
Small groups of up to 15 | From £85 per day | No EHCP required
Supportive, small-group education where young people can build confidence, develop skills and enjoy learning alongside others.
Rama Life provides part-time Alternative Provision for young people aged 7–16 who may benefit from spending part of their week in a smaller, calmer and more nurturing educational environment.
Based at Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton, near Ilminster and Yeovil, we work alongside schools to support young people who may be struggling with confidence, engagement, attendance or the demands of a larger school environment.
Schools don’t need to wait until things have reached crisis point.
Our experienced, neurodiversity-aware team creates an environment where relationships, trust and a sense of belonging are central to learning.
Calm • Restorative • Confidence-Building • Nurturing • Supportive
All whilst learning about the world and developing skills.
Schools say: “Going to Rama has meant that he has more success in school Mon–Thurs, he is dealing with friendship difficulties better and is more engaged when he is with us.”
Who is Rama Life suitable for?
Rama Life may be a good fit for young people who:
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are struggling with confidence, anxiety, attendance or engagement
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find a large, busy or highly structured school environment overwhelming
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are neurodivergent or have additional needs
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have become disengaged from learning or lost confidence in their abilities
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would benefit from positive relationships with trusted adults and peers
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may benefit from early intervention before difficulties escalate
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are preparing for a return to school, transition to another setting, college or their next stage
Young people do not need an EHCP or diagnosis to attend Rama Life.
Small-group and neuro-affirming, rather than 1:1 provision
Rama Life is a nurturing and supportive environment, but we are not a specialist high-needs or 1:1 provision.
Young people need to be able to participate safely within a group setting, follow essential safety boundaries and manage without ongoing individual adult support.
We are happy to talk to schools before referral to consider whether Rama Life is likely to be the right environment for an individual young person.
Why schools choose Rama Life
Early intervention
Rama Life gives schools another option before attendance, engagement or a placement completely breaks down.
Affordable, sustainable support
With full-day school-funded places from £85 per day, regular support can be a realistic option rather than something reserved for when difficulties have significantly escalated.
Something different from school
Small, consistent groups, our rural setting and a flexible approach to learning provide an environment that can be difficult to replicate within a larger school.
Additional capacity and expertise
Our experienced, neurodiversity-aware team provides another trusted group of adults around the young person, working alongside school rather than replacing it.
Education and wellbeing together
Our programmes combine learning with confidence, communication, relationships, problem-solving, independence and wellbeing.
Supporting what comes next
Rama Life can form part of a wider plan to support school attendance, reintegration, transition to another setting, college, employment or greater independence.
Our programmes combine academic, practical and creative learning. Depending on their age, group and individual pathway, young people may access:
Maths & English • Functional Skills • STEM • Art • Outdoor Learning • Cross-Topic Education • Life Skills • Employability • Preparation for Adulthood
Our focus is not simply on completing activities. We use education as an opportunity for young people to experience success, develop skills, build relationships and rediscover confidence in themselves as learners.
Costs for Schools
Schools can commission morning, afternoon or full-day provision, allowing Rama Life to form part of a young person’s wider education and support package.
Full-day places start from £35 for an afternoon (and £85 for a full day).
Costs vary depending on the programme and length of session. Please contact us for current availability and the most appropriate option for your young person.
Young people can attend Rama Life for up to two days per week.
You don’t need to know whether Rama Life is the right option before getting in touch.
If you have a young person who is struggling with school, attendance, engagement or confidence — or you are looking for an early-intervention option before things reach crisis point — talk to us.
We can discuss their needs, explain the groups we currently have available and help you decide whether Rama Life could be a suitable part of their education.
Provision starts at just £35 with
- Mon PM: Explore Art & Creativity
- Tues PM: Activate Movement & Strategy
- Thurs PM: Venture into Life Skills
Maths & English: £55
Full Day Sessions: £85 (saving £5)
Current Groups
Full Day / Cross Topic Learning
Discover: Year 3 -Year 7
Friday 9:30am – 3pm
Discover provides the perfect blend of knowledge and skill building with being active, creative and enjoying self-directed play. Young people build friendships, learn to co-operate and work as a team. The positive and enriching environment enables young people to grow in confidence, bravery and understanding, overcome anxiety and develop a positive mindset. Many of our attendees have been with Rama for several years, which creates cohesion and a positive team vibe. New members are welcomed by all, and quickly settle into the group.
Sessions have a new theme each week. Topics include history, the world, festivals, current affairs, creative arts and outdoor learning. Activities include art, crafts, storytelling, sports, film making, Lego, games, bushcraft, nature, language, construction, cooking, literacy and numeracy. Young people contribute to planning and enjoy being able to see their ideas come to life. We value time outdoors in nature, being active and developing skills.
Connect: Year 8 - Yr 11
Wednesday 9:30am – 3pm (existing members can continue until 17 yrs on agreement)
Connect is a welcoming, supportive group where young people explore a wide range of topics, build confidence, develop life skills, and form meaningful friendships. Through themed sessions covering subjects such as history, current affairs, personal development, creative arts, and outdoor learning, participants learn to cooperate, share ideas, and grow in self-awareness.
Activities include arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, games, film-making, cooking, campfire activities, survival skills, nature-based learning, and problem-solving challenges. Young people help plan sessions and see their ideas brought to life, fostering independence and confidence.
The relaxed, respectful environment supports young people to overcome anxiety, develop resilience, and prepare for future group settings such as college and work.
Please note: One subsidised space is available through the Jon Williams Memorial Fund. Email for details.
Maths & English: Yr 6 - Yr 11+
(Existing members can continue in Year 12 & 13 by agreement)Maths & English
Monday 9:30am – 12:15am | Year 6 – Year 9
Thursday 9:30am – 12:15am | Year 10 + (Existing members can continue in Year 12 & 13 by agreement)
Rama Life offers maths and English groups tailored to young people’s needs, with a base group of up to 15 students and utilising smaller break-out groups to ensure everyone is well supported. Sessions often include hands-on learning to build skills, confidence, and knowledge.
Monday is education Year 6 – Year 9 and the group follows a flexible functional skills framework, allowing teachers to adapt to interests, knowledge gaps and learning needs. Young people can stay in these groups until Year 9, when they typically move to the Thursday group.
Our Thursday group is aimed at Year 10+ and focuses directly on the Functional Skills programme, with the potential (if wanted) to achieve a Level 2 qualification (GCSE equivalent) through an external centre or to complement GCSE study at home. While Rama Life provides high-quality teaching, external exams require additional home study. Learning is delivered in an engaging and supportive way, reducing stress often linked to school trauma. Guidance for exam preparation is available on request.
Maths and English are taught in three sessions during the morning with plenty of movement breaks. Each topic has one session, then the third session is for putting learning into practice, with time to ensure understanding.
We will sometimes run cross-curriculum sessions where literacy and numeracy skills will be intertwined, making for a more real-life learning experience.
Exams
We offer group tuition for English and maths to supplement young people’s home learning. It is parents/carers responsibility to ensure your young person is covering everything that is needed, is studying at home and is ready for the exam. We do not accept responsibility for outcomes of examinations.
If your young person wants to take exams they need to book them with an external provider.
Half-Day Programmes: Yr 6 - Yr 11+
(Existing members can continue in Year 12 & 13 by agreement)Explore: Arts & the Natural World: Year 6 - Year 9
Monday 1pm – 3pm
We will be exploring art, crafting and the natural world, which all combine through the idea of storytelling, creativity, connection and expression.
Young people will be introduced to different materials and artists and have the chance to work on existing skills and develop new ones relating to art, crafting and other forms of creative expression. In addition to practical activities, young people will develop their knowledge of the art world and the ‘stories’ behind well-known (and lesser well-known) people, places and pieces of art.
This group is a perfect confidence builder and a great way to try out different ways to be artistic.
No previous experience or “skill level” needed – this is an open-access group that encourages creative expression in a non-critical and non-judgemental environment.
Elevate: Mixed Activity Projects
Year 6 - Year 9
Tuesday 9:30am – 12:15pm
Elevate is a flexible, engaging learning group for young people in Year 6 to Year 9, offering the opportunity to explore interesting topics in greater depth while developing confidence, independence, creativity and critical thinking skills.
Unlike our regular groups, Elevate can be attended as a year-round programme or as a stand-alone 5–7 week course, allowing families to choose the level of commitment that works best for them.
Each short course focuses on a single theme, giving young people the time and space to investigate ideas, ask questions and solve problems. Sessions are cross-curricular and will allow young people to develop skills and gain knowledge.
Learning is brought to life through a wide variety of hands-on and creative experiences. Depending on the topic, young people might research using books and other sources, design and build models, experiment with engineering concepts, create artwork, produce videos, carry out investigations, take part in debates, develop practical solutions to real-world challenges or work collaboratively. Every course is designed to encourage curiosity, communication, teamwork and a genuine love of learning.
Young people are encouraged to be actively involved in shaping future courses by sharing their interests. This creates a strong sense of ownership, engagement and excitement, ensuring the learning remains relevant, inspiring and meaningful.
Topics may include History, Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Nature, the Environment, The World, The Future, Popular Culture and much more.
Activate: Active Bodies. Active Minds.
Year 6 - Year 9
Tuesday 1pm – 3pm
Activate focuses on developing strength, coordination, dexterity, confidence and healthy habits through a wide range of enjoyable physical activities. Rather than competitive team sports, the group focuses on individual skills, recognising strengths and supporting challenges. Activities will include soft archery, croquet, French boules, table tennis, pool, orienteering and movement challenges. This will be alongside skill development such as throwing and catching for different sports, racquet and bat techniques and flexibility, fitness and healthy living.
On wet or very cold days, sessions will remain active indoors – but may also include strategic games and play, including board games and RPGs (like DnD) that develop planning, teamwork, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Activate is about discovering new activities, building practical skills and enjoying movement in a supportive environment where participation and personal progress matters (we leave competition to sports teams!).
No previous experience or “skill level” is needed! This is an open-access group that encourages everyone to challenge themselves, try new things and develop at their own pace in a non-critical and non-judgemental environment.
Activate is ideal for young people who enjoy being active (or would like to become more active!), learning practical skills and discovering that movement can be enjoyable in many different ways.
Venture: Real Skills. Real Life.
Year 10 - Year 11+
Thursday 1pm – 3pm (Existing members can continue in Year 12 & 13 by agreement)
Venture focuses on preparing young people for adulthood through a combination of practical life skills, personal development and real-world experiences. Sessions combine discussion, hands-on learning and creative projects to help young people develop confidence, independence and the knowledge needed to navigate adult life.
Topics include everyday life skills such as cooking, budgeting, travel, first aid, sewing, DIY and home management, alongside creative arts including upcycling, design and painting, outdoor skills, healthy living, being active, careers, further education, employment and understanding the wider world.
No previous experience or “skill level” is needed! This is an open-access group that encourages curiosity, independence and a willingness to have a go, with the support from understanding adults.
Venture is ideal for young people who want to build practical skills, gain confidence and leave with the knowledge, experiences and resilience to thrive in adult life.
