Our story
A Place to Grow
Owl Tree Activity Space supports young people who benefit from a different route into learning. Through practical, nature-based experiences, we create space to build confidence, connection and a sense of achievement.
Our flexible provision is shaped around individual interests and needs, helping young people engage with education in ways that feel purposeful, safe and achievable.
Our Story
Built for Potential
Owl Tree Activity Space was founded by professionals who had seen, first-hand, how many young people were falling through the gaps of mainstream education. Not because they lacked ability or ambition, but because the environment was not working for them.
We started with a simple belief: meaningful, practical activity in the outdoors could unlock potential that a classroom never would. That belief has been borne out by the hundreds of young people who have come through our provision and gone on to employment, further education, or training.
Small groups. Real qualifications. Genuine care.
OTAS founding principle
Today, OTAS is a trusted alternative provision partner for schools and local authorities across the region. Our three programmes, angling, land-based skills, and animal care, each offer a structured pathway to nationally recognised qualifications, delivered by experienced practitioners in safe, purposeful outdoor settings.
Our Approach
Alternative Provision
We work with young people aged 11+ who have been referred by a school, local authority, SEND team, or virtual school. We do not accept self-referrals, and every placement is agreed in partnership with the referring organisation.
Placements are typically half-day or full-day (3 full days a week maximum), and can run alongside a young person’s existing timetable or as a full alternative provision package. We are flexible because the young people we work with need flexibility.
Every young person receives individual attention, a named key worker, and a clear progression plan from day one.
OTAS approach
Our group sizes are deliberately small. This is not a numbers game. It is a purposeful, supportive environment where young people can build confidence, skills, and a route forward.
How we work
Support That Meets Young People Where They Are
We work alongside local authorities, schools, virtual schools and partner professionals to provide responsive, relationship-led support for young people with a range of learning and wellbeing needs.
Neurodiversity trained
Trauma-informed
SEMH support
Reintegration focused
What guides us
Our Values in Practice
Work with OTAS
Start a Conversation
If you are looking for a supportive, practical alternative provision for a young person, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Start a Conversation
Talk to OTAS about a referral or the right alternative provision pathway for a young person.