User:B.hygate/Alternative Learning Project

The Alternative Learning Project (ALP) (Previously known as ASD Learning Ltd) is a group of special needs schools specializing in 9-19 year olds with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It currently has 3 centres, two of them are in the south-east of England, where it has a well-known reputation as most the public special needs schools in Kent have been shut-down due to budget cuts by Kent County Council (KCC). They also have a centre in Leicester which is the only current centre in the midlands.

History
ALP was founded by Philip Hoppenbrouwers as ASD Learning Ltd. after leaving the Helen Allison school in Gravesend, Kent. It was originally run out of a single-story construction in Hoppenbrouwers' garden. But was moved due to space restrictions to Harmer Street in Gravesend where there is still a centre today, although it has expanded inside the building. Since then a second centre has opened in the south-east and another in the midlands.

It became Ofsted registered in 2011. Before then it has been known as a 'Private Tuition Centre' as they hadn't been required to register as a school until they exceeded a specific number of students.

During 2013 - 2014, They have started implementing new learning technologies in their centres, such as interactive whiteboards and online worksheets.

Centres and Facilities
At its peak, the ALP had a total of 5 centres, three of which were in or around the London area, however two of the three London centres, at Woolwich and Kentish Town, were closed down due to budget cuts, after these centres were closed down, the majority of their students were relocated to the nearby Gravesend (now Pierview Academy) and Welling (now Parkview Academy) centres.

Pierview Academy
The first ASD Learning centre

Leicester Centres
There are currently three centres located in or around Leicester, using the ALP Leicester Sub-brand.

Off-site Facilities
Each ALP centre makes use of the local off site sports and leisure venues, as well as parks and other recreational areas.

The Lodge, Sittingbourne
"The Lodge" is a recreation centre shared by the south-east centres for activities such as horticulture and sports in the summer months.

Defunct Centres
These are centres that have either closed, or not currently operating.

Woolwich
Closed during budget cuts, mainly integrated with Gravesend and Welling (now Parkview Academy) centres.

Kentish Town
Closed during budget cuts, mainly integrated with Gravesend and Welling (now Parkview Academy) centres.

Meopham
The original centre, located in Hoppenbrouwers' back garden, Later used as admin centre.