Outstanding practice in alternative provision: examples

See examples of outstanding alternative provision (AP) in an AP free school, pupil referral unit (PRU), and AP academy.

Last reviewed on 28 January 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 30995
Contents
  1. Ofsted inspects AP settings like schools 
  2. Examples of 'outstanding' AP

Ofsted inspects AP settings like schools 

All parts of the education inspection framework (EIF) apply, but Ofsted recognises that the context will be slightly different, just as with all schools.

Read our article on how Ofsted inspects AP for more detail.

Examples of 'outstanding' AP

AP free school

Harmonize Academy in Liverpool has pupils aged 12 to 16. The AP was judged 'outstanding' in 2015 and again in 2020. 

Pupils describe attending the AP as "the best thing ever" and "feel part of a happy school community"  There's a deeply caring approach from staff, and among pupils themselves The AP helps pupils quickly catch up on lost learning, through an efficient timetable and many catch-up sessions Pupils have access to enrichment opportunities, such as volunteering and developing new interests The curriculum "puts the needs of pupils at its heart", and pupils are able to study academic and vocational