Published by Reconnect Learning
Schools and Local Authorities play a vital role in ensuring children and young people receive the support they need to access education successfully. When a learner experiences barriers that cannot currently be met through mainstream provision alone, Alternative Provision can provide valuable additional support.
Choosing the right provider is an important decision that can significantly impact attendance, wellbeing, engagement and educational outcomes.
What Is Alternative Provision?
Alternative Provision (AP) refers to educational arrangements made for children and young people who require support outside of, or alongside, mainstream education.
Provision may be commissioned for learners experiencing:
- Persistent absence
- EBSNA
- SEND needs
- SEMH needs
- Risk of exclusion
- Permanent exclusion
- Medical needs
- Reintegration requirements
- Disrupted education
Why Quality Matters
Not all Alternative Provision is the same.
Schools and Local Authorities should ensure that any commissioned provision is safe, effective, learner-focused and capable of delivering positive outcomes.
The right provision can help transform a learner's educational experience and create meaningful pathways forward.
Key Questions to Ask Before Commissioning
Before selecting a provider, commissioners should consider several important areas.
- How is safeguarding managed?
- What qualifications and experience do staff hold?
- How is learner progress measured?
- How are attendance and engagement monitored?
- How are parents and schools kept informed?
- What SEND expertise is available?
- What quality assurance processes are in place?
- How are concerns reported and managed?
Safeguarding Must Come First
Safeguarding should always be the first consideration when commissioning Alternative Provision.
Providers should have:
- Robust safeguarding policies
- Designated Safeguarding Leads
- Safer recruitment procedures
- Regular safeguarding training
- Clear reporting pathways
- Online safety procedures
- Whistleblowing arrangements
Schools and Local Authorities should feel confident that learners are safe at all times.
Understanding Learner Needs
Many learners accessing Alternative Provision have complex needs.
Commissioned provision should demonstrate experience supporting:
- SEND learners
- EHCP learners
- EBSNA
- Autism
- ADHD
- SEMH needs
- Attendance difficulties
- Behaviour linked to unmet needs
Personalised support is often essential to achieving positive outcomes.
Measuring Impact
Effective Alternative Provision should provide clear evidence of impact.
This may include:
- Attendance improvements
- Academic progress
- Learner engagement
- Wellbeing outcomes
- Achievement of targets
- Reintegration success
- Parent and school feedback
The Importance of Communication
Strong communication between providers, schools, Local Authorities and families is essential.
Commissioners should expect regular updates, progress reports and opportunities to review support plans.
Effective communication helps ensure everyone remains focused on achieving the best outcomes for the learner.
Attendance and Engagement Support
Many referrals to Alternative Provision relate to attendance concerns.
Providers should demonstrate how they:
- Identify barriers to attendance
- Support engagement
- Build positive relationships
- Promote confidence
- Develop reintegration plans
Attendance improvement is often achieved through trust, consistency and personalised support.
Supporting Reintegration
Where appropriate, Alternative Provision should work collaboratively with schools to support successful reintegration.
This may involve:
- Transition planning
- Attendance targets
- Confidence-building programmes
- Joint review meetings
- Gradual return arrangements
What Schools and Local Authorities Should Expect
High-quality Alternative Provision should offer:
- Strong safeguarding
- Personalised programmes
- Qualified staff
- Clear communication
- Robust reporting
- Attendance support
- SEND expertise
- Positive learner outcomes
How Reconnect Learning Supports Commissioners
Reconnect Learning works closely with schools, Local Authorities and professionals to provide flexible educational support for learners facing barriers to education.
Our services include:
- Alternative Provision
- Home Tuition
- Online Learning
- SEND Support
- EHCP Support
- EBSNA Support
- Attendance Support
- Mentoring
- Reintegration Programmes
- Functional Skills and GCSE Support
Creating Positive Outcomes Together
The most successful Alternative Provision partnerships are built on collaboration, transparency and a shared commitment to supporting young people.
When schools, Local Authorities and providers work together, learners are given the best possible opportunity to succeed.
Need to Discuss a Referral?
If your school or Local Authority is seeking Alternative Provision support, Reconnect Learning would be happy to discuss your requirements.
Call: 01708 918728
Email: info@reconnectlearning.co.uk
Together, we can help learners overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.
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