You don't need to teach the National Curriculum
But, you need to provide good alternative provision which:
- Appropriately meets pupils' personal, social and academic needs
- Enables them to achieve good educational attainment on par with their mainstream peers
- Improves pupil motivation, self-confidence, attendance, and engagement with education
- Provides clearly defined objectives, including the next steps following the alternative provision placement
You should offer challenging teaching in:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- IT
You should also give pupils the opportunity to take appropriate qualifications.
This is set out in paragraphs 30 and 39 of the DfE's statutory guidance on alternative provision.
Provide a 'broad and balanced' curriculum
For PRUs, a DfE representative explained that this should include:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Computing
- Careers guidance
For AP academies, the DfE's model funding agreement specifies:
- English
- Maths
- Science