Referrals
Referrals/How To Access
NAV Pathways welcomes referrals from schools, Local Authorities and families who are seeking a safe, relational and future‑focused environment for young people who need something different from their current educational experience. We recognise that every learner’s journey is unique, and we offer two flexible placement options to ensure the right level of support at the right time.
Our time‑limited placements provide a structured, nurturing reset for young people who need short‑term intervention, relational stability and a clear plan for reintegration. Our longer‑term placements offer sustained, personalised support for learners who require a more extended period of vocational learning, emotional regulation and confidence‑building before moving on to their next steps.
Both pathways are rooted in our commitment to connection, belonging and purposeful progression, ensuring every young person is met with understanding, high expectations and a genuine belief in their potential.
NAV Pathways operates Monday to Friday, 9.30am–2.30pm, offering flexible placements of up to three days per week depending on the needs of each young person. Every package is bespoke, ensuring that support, curriculum and expectations are tailored to the individual’s strengths, interests and level of need.
Re-engage a young person with learning, rebuilding routines, confidence, and a sense of safety when mainstream has or is at risk of breaking down.
Offer a stable, nurturing environment where a young person can rebuild trust, identity, and self-belief over time.
Identify needs, barriers, strengths, and the right support package through observation, therapeutic input, and relational practice.
Deliver a personalised curriculum that aligns with strengths, interests, and needs, vocational, relational, and highly practical.
Offer a calm, predictable environment where trauma-informed approaches can de-escalate crisis patterns and stabilise behaviour and wellbeing.
Provide sustained therapeutic and SEMH support, recognising that complex needs require consistent, long-term relational work.
Help the young person reset expectations and boundaries, practising pro-social behaviours in a supported setting.
Address entrenched barriers to learning, including trauma, disrupted schooling, neurodiversity, or chronic disengagement.
Referral Process
Step 01
Initial Enquiry
The referral journey begins with an initial enquiry from a school, local authority, or partner agency. At this stage we gather high‑level information about the young person’s needs, current provision, and desired outcomes. Our aim is to understand whether our pathways, environment, and support model are likely to be an appropriate match before progressing to formal documentation.
Step 02
Referral
Once the enquiry is accepted, referring partners complete our referral documentation, providing detailed information about the young person’s educational history, strengths, barriers, safeguarding considerations, and support needs. This ensures we have a full, accurate picture and can plan a safe, well‑matched response rooted in relational and trauma‐informed practice.
Step 03
Multi-Partnership Information
Multi‑agency discussion is held with key professionals involved in the young person’s education, care, and wellbeing. Together we explore the referral in depth, share insights, and consider the most appropriate pathway, support strategies, and risk management approaches. This collaborative stage ensures decisions are joined‑up, transparent, and centred on the young person’s best interests.
Step 04
Visit
The young person and their parent/carer/homeschool are invited to visit the provision, meet staff, and experience the environment. This visit helps build early relationships, reduces anxiety, and allows the young person to see how our pathways operate in practice. It also provides an opportunity for families to ask questions and for staff to observe engagement, interests, and support needs.
Step 05
Placement Assessment & Decision
Following the visit, we complete a holistic placement assessment that considers the young person’s needs, aspirations, safety, and readiness for the pathway. A placement decision is then made in partnership with the referring agency. Where a placement is agreed, we outline next steps, transition planning, and initial targets. Where a placement is not appropriate, we provide clear rationale and, where possible, signpost alternative options.