A Different Approach to Alternative Provisions.
We offer a different approach to Alternative Provision, as young people are too often placed into environments that were never built for them.
Sherlock Pathways supports young people who cannot access mainstream education due to complexity, risk or disengagement. It is a structured intervention model, not a traditional provision, designed to stabilise, re-engage and move them forward, connecting with care, therapy and progression to create a more consistent pathway.
"Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons, with the greatest for the last."
Who We
Support
Sherlock Pathways works alongside schools, local authorities and families through Birmingham, Solihull and the Midlands to support primary and secondary-aged young people who:
The Hub is designed around how young people actually function.
It is a multi-functional, therapeutic space that supports movement between regulation, engagement and development, including:
A Place Built for Real People.
Better Outcomes Brighter Futures
The impact of our alternative provision for young people
80%
Improved attendance and engagement
75%
Progress in education, training or employment
Small
Class sizes for individual support
100+
Young people supportedeach year
The Sherlock Pathways Model
The RESACA Model
Guiding young people through personalised pathways from regulation to aspiration.
Sherlock Pathways is built around six structured areas of development, creating personalised journeys for each young person through The RESACA Model.
The Right Way Forward
Sherlock Pathways follows a clear, structured journey within a wider joined-up model.
Connect Therapeutic Mentoring
A trusted relationship. A manageable first step. A pathway into learning.
Connect is Sherlock’s outreach therapeutic mentoring service for young people who
are not yet ready to access Sherlock Pathways on site. Through consistent, one-to-one support at home or in an agreed community setting, a trusted mentor works alongside the young person to understand what is getting in the way of engagement and build confidence at a pace that feels manageable.
For some, progress might begin with leaving the house, establishing a routine or
meeting someone new. For others, it could mean reconnecting with learning,
accessing the community or taking their first supported visit to The Hub.
Small steps matter, and each one helps build towards what comes next.
The aim is not to rush a young person into provision. It is to build the trust, confidence and familiarity they need to move forward. When they are ready, Connect provides a supported transition into the most appropriate Sherlock Pathways programme, with continuity wherever possible.
For Young People.
The Hub is not like your school. It is a place where you are understood, given time to settle, and where support is built around what works for you. You will have people around you who listen, stay consistent and help you figure things out step by step.There is always a next step, and you will be supported to move toward it.
If you need support now:
IF YOU NEED SUPPORT
Referrals.
Referrals can be made by local authorities, schools or professionals. We are also open to conversations with families to guide next steps. The process is straightforward:
Initial discussion
Referral information shared
Assessment and pathway planning
Placement agreed and started
Raise a Safeguarding Concern.
If you are worried about a young person’s safety or wellbeing, it is important that you speak up. All concerns are taken seriously and responded to by our safeguarding team.
Our Named DSL is Hilton Mutariswa, supported by deputy safeguarding leads to ensure consistent oversight and clear escalation at all times. If a young person is in immediate danger, contact 999.
Come and seeThe Hub in action.
Visit us, meet the team and see how Sherlock Pathways can support young people to re-engage, achieve and move forward.
