A Parent’s Guide to Alternative Provision: What to Expect

If your child is starting alternative provision

Hearing that your child is going to attend alternative provision can bring up a lot of feelings – worry, frustration, relief, or all three. That is completely normal. This guide explains what alternative provision is, what you can expect, and the questions it is worth asking, so you can feel more confident and support your child through the change.

What is alternative provision?

Alternative provision, often called AP, is education that takes place away from your child’s usual school. It is for young people who, for a time, are finding it hard to learn in a mainstream classroom. Some children attend AP full time; others go for a few sessions a week and spend the rest of their time at school.

AP usually offers smaller groups, more one-to-one time with adults, and a mix of lessons such as English and maths alongside practical subjects, mentoring or vocational courses. For many young people it is a real turning point.

Why might my child be offered AP?

• to give extra support if the school is worried they might be excluded
• to provide education after a longer suspension or a permanent exclusion
• as part of a managed move to a new school
• because a health need means they cannot attend school for a while
• to help them re-engage with learning in a different setting

What you should be told

Before your child starts, the school should explain:

• why AP is being suggested and what it is meant to achieve
• the name and address of the provider and who your main contact will be
• your child’s timetable – which days and times they will attend
• how your child will get there and back
• how long the placement is expected to last and when it will be reviewed
• what will happen at the end, such as returning to school or moving on to college

Questions worth asking

• Who will my child be working with, and have staff had safeguarding checks?
• Will my child still study English and maths, and can they gain qualifications?
• How will I hear about attendance, progress and any concerns?
• Who do I call if my child is unwell or will be late?
• How will my child’s special educational needs or medical needs be met?
• When is the first review meeting, and can my child and I take part?

Your child’s school is still responsible

In most cases your child stays on their school’s roll while they attend AP. That means the school remains responsible for their education and their safety. Government safeguarding guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education, makes clear that schools continue to be responsible for the safeguarding of pupils they place in alternative provision. If you have a concern at any point, you can raise it with the school as well as with the provider.

The first few weeks

Starting somewhere new can be unsettling. Your child might be anxious, tired or quiet at first, or they may settle quickly. Ask them what they enjoyed each day, keep in touch with staff, and let the provider know about anything happening at home that might affect your child. Small wins – a good day, a full week of attendance, a piece of work they are proud of – are worth celebrating.

Attendance still matters

Your child is expected to attend every session on their timetable, just as they would at school. The provider will take a register and share it with the school. If your child cannot attend, let the provider and the school know as early as possible. Good attendance is one of the biggest factors in a placement going well.

If your child has been excluded

If AP follows a suspension or permanent exclusion, you have rights, including the right to make representations to the school’s governing board. Our guide to school exclusions explains suspensions, permanent exclusions and managed moves in more detail, and your local authority can point you towards independent information and advice.

Your information is protected

Schools and providers need to share some information about your child so they can keep them safe and support them well. That information must be handled in line with UK data protection law, shared only with the people who need it, and kept secure.

How ReferralMS helps families

Some schools and providers use ReferralMS to manage alternative provision placements. Where they do, families can be sent a secure link to view their child’s attendance and progress, sign consent forms online, and see good news when their child does well. ReferralMS is used by your child’s school and provider – if you have questions about your child’s placement, please speak to them first.