Welcome to Pebbles Education and our Adapt Learning prospectus. Here, you will find an overview of our therapeutic approach to education and the personalised pathways we create to support every young person to thrive.
At Pebbles, we believe that every child and young person deserves an education that recognises their story, understands their needs and nurtures their potential. Many of our learners have experienced barriers to education or periods of disengagement, often connected to trauma, disrupted relationships or challenges in previous school environments. Adapt Learning has been developed to respond to this, offering a therapeutic, relational and truly personalised approach to learning.
Our ADAPT model is built on the Six Principles of Nurture and informed by therapeutic parenting and trauma-informed practice. We do not expect learners to fit into a predefined programme of schooling. Instead, we shape the curriculum, environment and learning experience around the individual. This flexibility allows young people to feel safe, rebuild confidence in learning and progress at a pace that is right for them.
ADAPT Learning provides a blend of learning pathways, which may include:
Across these pathways, we offer a wide range of Scottish and English qualifications, supported by staff who are highly skilled in therapeutic education and relationship-based practice. Our focus is not only academic achievement, but also developing confidence, independence and readiness for positive and sustainable destinations.
We are proud to support our past leavers move on to positive post-school destinations including
college, apprenticeships, employment and further training. This reflects the commitment of our staff, the strength of our relationships with young people and our belief that with the right support, every learner can thrive.
This prospectus is designed to give you an insight into how we work, what we value and what is possible for the young people in our care. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Adapt Learning and we would be very happy to discuss how we can support the needs and aspirations of your young person.
Glenn Gibson
Head of Education
Nurture and therapeutic parenting are central to our provision. The ADAPT Learning Model is grounded in the Six Principles of Nurture and ensures that every young person experiences a relationship-centred, therapeutic education.
We recognise that learning is most effective when emotional safety, trust and connection are established first.
Each young person is supported through a personalised curriculum, created by drawing on a flexible blend of our five learning pathways: face-to-face learning, remote and online learning, vocational and experiential learning, therapeutic learning and outdoor and adventure-based learning. The pathways can be combined and adapted over time to support progress, readiness and confidence.
Through these pathways, young people develop a wide range of skills including personal and social development, practical and vocational skills, independence and emotional regulation. Staff across our schools are trained in therapeutic parenting and work closely with young people to ensure that learning is purposeful, meaningful and rooted in positive relationships.
We offer a broad range of accredited qualifications and wider achievement awards, including Scottish and English curriculum awards, ASDAN programmes, Duke of Edinburgh and King’s Trust. We also support progression pathways into further education, apprenticeships, training and employment.
Learning can take place in school, in the community, outdoors or online, with pathways combined to create a personalised programme that supports wellbeing, engagement and progress.
Classroom
Learning
Young people can access structured, curriculum-based
learning with qualified teachers and Adapt Learning Practitioners. We work closely with our in-house Psychology team to embed therapeutic practice across daily routines and classroom environments.
Remote & Online
Learning
For learners who require a supported transition back into education, teaching can take place remotely or from safe, familiar spaces. Teachers and practitioners continue to provide direct support, using digital platforms to guide progress and maintain relationships.
Therapeutic
Support
Therapeutic approaches are integrated into each young person’s curriculum. This may include nurture-based routines, relational support, and access to therapeutic interventions where appropriate, coordinated by our in-house Psychology team.
Vocational & Skills Development
Young people can explore vocational interests and develop practical skills through ASDAN, Prince’s Trust and other accredited programmes. These experiences support confidence, independence and readiness for life beyond school.
Outdoor & Experiential Learning
Outdoor and adventure-based learning supports emotional regulation, resilience and wellbeing. Partnerships with specialist providers enhance opportunities for achievement beyond the classroom.
Below is a sample timetable for a Year 10 pupil who has experienced interrupted learning, having missed significant periods of time at school due to placement breakdown and school refusal.
Previous school placements have broken down or been ineffectual as the pupil has been unable to attend and, when attending, their significant level of trauma has not allowed them to fit into a traditional school model.
Our Adapt Learning Model will allow this pupil to access full time education through a combination of face-to-face, remote and online learning, vocational skills, and community engagement.
Core skills are developed while also allowing a focus on the enrichment and therapeutic activities to ensure engagement and progress.
Our provision is centred around a Therapeutic Parenting model, where every interaction is rooted in understanding, safety and connection. Staff are extensively trained to recognise the impact of trauma and attachment on a young person’s development, and to respond with consistency, empathy and attuned communication.
We view behaviour as a form of communication. Rather than focusing on managing or containing behaviours, our staff work to understand the underlying needs being expressed. This approach supports effective safeguarding, reduces crisis responses and creates an environment where young people feel safe to regulate, reflect and build positive relationships.
Therapeutic approaches are embedded across learning and care: from day-to-day interactions to curriculum planning and targeted interventions. Depending on individual needs, this may include counselling, CBT-based strategies, creative and sensory therapies, outdoor learning, or relational mentoring. Our in-house Psychology team can provide additional support, guidance and clinical oversight to ensure approaches are appropriate and trauma-informed.
Therapeutic practice is not an add-on at Pebbles, it is the foundation of our entire model. By prioritising relationships and emotional safety, our therapeutic model enables young people to rebuild trust, develop confidence, engage more positively in learning and make meaningful progress academically, socially and emotionally.
