Alternative provision (AP) resource hub
Use this resource hub to understand how to choose an alternative provision (AP) provider, and monitor your use of AP. Be clear on the responsibilities and requirements for AP settings.
Schools
Be clear on how to choose an alternative provision (AP) provider, and work with them. Download our audit to make sure the AP is right for your pupil, and find our content on improving behaviour, suspensions and exclusions and part-time timetables, all of which may involve using AP.
Alternative provision: how to choose and work with providers
Use our form to help you decide whether an alternative provision (AP) provider is suitable for your pupil. Plus, find out how Ofsted inspects your use of AP and how you should work with the provider during your pupil's time there.
Improving behaviour: off-site direction and managed moves
You can temporarily direct pupils with challenging behaviour off your school site. Alternatively, you can carry out a managed move to another school, if the situation calls for a permanent change. Find out more about what both options involve and how you're expected to manage them.
Suspending a pupil: procedures and guidance
Be clear on the procedures for suspending a pupil from your school, when you can lawfully do so, and who you must inform.
Excluding a pupil: procedures and guidance
Be clear on the procedures for excluding a pupil from your school, when you can lawfully do so, and who you must inform.
Part-time timetables for pupils
Get to grips with part-time timetables, also known as reduced timetables. Find out when you can use them and what you need to consider before, during and after you've introduced one.
AP settings
Find out how AP settings are funded and inspected, as well as guidance on curriculum and demonstrating pupil progress.
How alternative provision is funded
Find out how pupil referral units (PRUs), alternative provision (AP) academies and AP free schools are funded from the 'high needs block'.
How Ofsted inspects alternative provision
Learn how Ofsted inspects pupil referral units (PRUs) and alternative provision (AP) academies. Also find information covering inspection of off-site units and residential provision.
Alternative provision: curriculum requirements and examples
Alternative provision (AP) settings, including pupil referral units (PRUs), aren't required to follow the National Curriculum, but they do have to provide a good alternative curriculum. Find out what this includes, and see examples of curriculum offers from APs.
Alternative provision: demonstrating pupil progress
As progress 8 for pupil referral units (PRUs) and alternative provision (AP) academies isn't included in performance tables, read advice on how to demonstrate that your pupils are making good progress.
SEND and alternative provision improvement plan
Read our summary of the SEND and AP improvement plan, published by the government in 2023.
SEND and AP improvement plan: summary
Dig into the SEND and alternative provision (AP) improvement plan details. Understand how the government intends to reform the SEND and AP system, see what’s being done and get an idea of timelines.
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