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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.

Last reviewed on 28 April 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 31003
Contents
  1. You may need to work with AP providers 
  2. Before choosing an AP, know what a good one looks like
  3. Ofsted will consider your use of AP
  4. Use our template to make sure an AP is right for your pupil
  5. Stay in regular contact while your pupil attends the AP

You may need to work with AP providers 

Alternative provision (AP) providers can support your pupils through:

  • Outreach and early intervention in school
  • Short-term (time-limited) placements focused on assessing a pupil's needs
  • Long-term placements for pupils who aren’t thriving in mainstream education

You may choose to bring in specialist AP staff to:

  • Manage challenging behaviour without the pupil leaving your school
  • Coach staff in supporting pupils with additional needs
  • Build your capacity for inclusion to prevent future suspensions or exclusions

You, or your governing body or trustees, have a duty in some situations to provide full-time education for a pupil who is not attending school.

You've reached the 6th day following a suspension or exclusion  For excluded looked-after children (LAC) or children with a social worker, the rules are slightly different –