Issue details

Alternative provision supports a broad range of needs and consists of a wide supplier base, including Pupil Referral Units (PRU), alternative provision academies and free schools, independent schools and unregistered suppliers. Alternative provision schools also include a small number of medical and hospital schools. These play an important specialist role in supporting children and young people whose health prevents them from attending a mainstream school, re-engaging them in education as much as their health allows, and providing a supported transition back to mainstream school when appropriate. Many children and young people in alternative provision have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Alternative provision will be expected to offer individually tailored learning and/or support.

In developing this DPS, SCC wishes to move to a whole system approach to alternative provision where inclusive schools, clear pathways and outstanding provision all work together to ensure excellent outcomes for children and young people. SCC wishes promoting a collective system in which educational settings, community services, health and education support services all play a crucial part in responding to vulnerable children and assisting with reintegration to school (where appropriate). Suppliers successful in joining the AP DPS will play a vital role in creating a “community” of provision.