Alma Education

Every learner is unique.We start there.

Specialist 1:1 and small group education
Led by qualified, SEND-specialist teachers.
For young people aged 5–18, who aren't thriving in mainstream.
All sessions are designed around each learner's needs and interests.

Get in touch
Qualified Teacher-Led SEND Specialist Neurodiversity-Affirming Trauma-Informed EOTAS Provider In Person · Hybrid · Online
Who We Are

A different kind of education.

Alma Education works with young people who need education that genuinely fits them. We spend time finding out what each young person is passionate about, and build their learning from there. Every session is led by a qualified teacher and built entirely around them.

Sessions are small, calm and unhurried. No pressure. No rushing. Just a genuinely supportive, neuro-affirming environment where learning feels safe and, most importantly, fun.

We work 1:1 and in small groups, either in person, hybrid or online. Referrals welcome from families directly, and commissioned provision from schools and local authorities.

Whatever brought you here, we're really glad you found us.

"The system wasn't built for every learner. We were."
Safeguarding

Every learner's safety is our first priority, always.

Alma Education meets all safeguarding and compliance requirements expected of LA commissioned alternative provision. All staff are qualified QTS teachers, enhanced DBS checked and trained in safeguarding in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025. Full policy documentation is available on request.

Who We Work With

Is Alma the right fit?

Not thriving in school

Young people finding mainstream difficult, whether through anxiety, unmet needs or simply needing a completely different approach. At Alma we create a learning environment where each student feels comfortable, accepted and understood. Our sessions are designed around each student's interests and how they learn best.

Not currently in school

Students on EOTAS provision, or those who may benefit from a fresh start outside mainstream. We always begin with wellbeing and work to understand what support is missing. Families are often surprised at how quickly their young people feel at ease and start to enjoy learning again.

Home educated

Families who want a qualified teacher to support their young person's learning in a way that genuinely works for them. We know that many families end up electively home educating as mainstream wasn't working for their child. We provide 1:1 or group sessions alongside an interactive online programme to help students progress between sessions.

SEND & Neurodivergent students

Our SEND teachers are specialists in supporting students with needs such as: ADHD, ADD, autism, dyslexia, SEMH, EBSA. We teach based on need, not diagnosis. Sessions take place in calm, low-stimulation environments designed to help every young person flourish. It's a joy to see the positive change in the young people that come to us.

What We Offer

Tailored to what every individual needs.

Sessions are shaped entirely around each learner, their interests, their pace, their goals. English and Maths run through everything. We build real digital skills, nurture creativity and hands-on learning, and help every young person rediscover what learning can feel like when it's actually fun.

Primary (Ages 5–11)

Qualified primary teachers delivering structured, play-based sessions for younger learners. Strong foundations in phonics, early reading, writing and maths, built through exploration, creativity and hands-on discovery. Learning that feels joyful, curious and age-appropriate from the very start.

Secondary English & Maths (Ages 11–18)

Building solid foundations in literacy and numeracy for secondary-aged learners, including those with SEND. We identify gaps and work through them carefully, using real and relevant contexts that connect to each student's world.

GCSE & Functional Skills

Focused, structured support for learners working toward GCSEs or Functional Skills qualifications. We track progress carefully, build real exam confidence and help every student achieve their best.

Digital & Creative

Creating, designing and making. The latest digital skills and creative thinking built into everything we do, preparing young people for a changing world. All sessions use robust online safety guardrails.

Broad Curriculum

Science, humanities and more. Active, hands-on learning led by the individual's interests, drawing on a project-based approach that connects subjects to the real world. Sessions can also include physical and creative activities beyond the classroom.

Wellbeing & PSHE

Self-esteem, resilience and confidence built through every session, using activities that genuinely inspire and excite. PSHE runs throughout, building awareness of important social, personal and health issues in a calm, age-appropriate way.

The Team

The people behind Alma Education.

Melanie Steel
Melanie Steel
Founder, Lead Educator & DSL

Melanie is a qualified secondary school teacher with extensive experience working with young people who learn differently. She founded Alma Education with a clear belief: every individual has the potential to achieve something extraordinary. They just need education that starts with who they are.

Cathryn Williams
Cathryn Williams
Safeguarding & Trauma-Informed Consultant

Cathryn is an experienced safeguarding and trauma-informed practice consultant who works alongside Alma Education to ensure the highest standards of safety and care for every young person we work with. She also runs regular training sessions to keep our staff up to date with recent developments in safeguarding guidance and practice.

For Schools & Local Authorities

A qualified, reliable EOTAS partner.

Alma Education offers commissioned provision for schools and local authorities supporting young people who are not currently in school. We are taking referrals now.

What We Offer

  • Qualified teacher-led 1:1 and small group provision
  • In person at home or at learning hubs
  • Hybrid and fully online provision available
  • Detailed session notes and progress records
  • Contribution to EHCP evidence and annual reviews
  • Flexible commissioning, taking referrals now
  • Fully insured in line with LA requirements

Safeguarding & Compliance

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Enhanced DBS for all staff
  • Safer recruitment policy implemented
  • All staff Safeguarding & Prevent trained
  • ICO registered — data protection compliant
What Families Say

In their own words.

Testimonials from families and schools coming soon. If you'd like to share your experience of working with Alma, we'd love to hear from you.

Get In Touch

Let's talk about your young person.

We're currently taking enquiries from families, schools and local authorities. No obligation, just a straightforward conversation about what your young person needs.

Please fill out the enquiry form or email us directly for more info:
melanie@alma-education.co.uk

This is an enquiry only, no commitment. Please don't include personal details about the individual at this stage. We'll respond personally and you can share what's needed in that conversation.

Work With Us

We're looking for exceptional Learning Mentors.

We're looking for qualified teachers who lead with relationships, are passionate about working with young people the mainstream system has missed, and understand that safeguarding is non-negotiable. All staff join Alma through our safer recruitment process and require an enhanced DBS and satisfactory references.

Sound like you? Leave your email and we'll be in touch.

  • Qualified teacher status (QTS)
  • Experience with SEND or neurodiversity
  • Trauma-informed practice
  • Belief in student-led learning
  • Calm, relational approach
  • Enhanced DBS: mandatory
  • Safeguarding training before starting
  • Satisfactory references required
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