Frequently asked questions
Two sets of answers below. One for parents and carers, one for schools and local authorities. Open the question to see the answer.
For parents and carers
What ages do you cover?
We cater for students from Year 1 right through to Post 16, across our eight specialist centres in Bristol.
Will my child get qualifications at Discovery?
Yes. Depending on age and pathway, your child can work towards Pearson BTECs (Construction, Vocational Studies, Hospitality & Home Cooking, Sport), Functional Skills English & Maths, AQA Unit Awards, First Aid, Food Hygiene and a range of nationally recognised sport and outdoor qualifications.
How is the curriculum tailored to my child?
An individually designed curriculum tailors learning to your child's strengths, needs and interests, often drawn from EHCP outcomes. Multi-sensory teaching, flexible pacing and varied assessment methods support pupils with ASD, dyslexia, ADHD, communication difficulties, or physical disabilities.
Is there a cost to me as a parent?
Placements are typically funded by the referring school or local authority, not by parents. Get in touch and we will explain how funding works in your specific situation.
What if my child has an EHCP?
Goals are designed by our SEMH-specialist qualified teachers and drawn from existing EHCPs along with information from any other agencies or specialists involved. We work alongside school so everyone is working towards the same targets.
Can I visit a centre before deciding?
Yes — we encourage it. Get in touch and we will arrange a visit so you can see the centre, meet the team and ask any questions.
For schools and local authorities
What ages and key stages do you cover?
Year 1 through to Post 16, across eight centres. Primary & Secondary at The Hub, The Nest, The Cabin and The Lodge. Post 16 at The Hideaway, The Depot, The Dug-Out and Learning Through Adventure.
Are you OFSTED-ready?
We have been involved in many OFSTED inspections and our curriculum, care, policies and procedures are designed for OFSTED's "so what" deep-dive approach. We stay in regular contact with referring schools throughout.
Are you Pearson approved?
Yes. Discovery is officially approved by Pearson to deliver BTEC courses across Construction, Vocational Studies, Hospitality & Home Cooking and Sport.
What progress reporting do you provide?
Termly target sheets, termly summary forms, safeguarding paperwork and attendance at annual reviews. Targets are drawn from existing EHCPs or any other relevant paperwork.
What is your safeguarding structure?
All staff hold Safeguarding level 2 as a minimum. Full DBS checks, PREVENT training, fire safety awareness, food hygiene level 2, equality and diversity training and First Aid at Work are mandatory across the team.
How do referrals work?
Email Simon@discoveryeducationcentre.co.uk or call 07304 040876 to start the conversation. There is also a downloadable Student Referral Form available on the Contact page.