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Alternative provision (AP) is education arranged for children and young people who cannot attend a mainstream or special school.
This may be due to medical needs, exclusion, SEN, anxiety, or circumstances that make school attendance challenging.
Alternative provision ensures pupils receive a full-time, suitable education in line with statutory guidance, even when a school environment is not appropriate.
It may be temporary, short-term or long-term depending on the child’s needs.
Alternative provision is widely used in SEND, EOTAS, SEMH, medical needs, behaviour support, and re-engagement programmes.
Local authorities, schools and parents may consider AP when:
Alternative provision must always be based on the pupil’s individual needs and reviewed regularly.
Alternative provision can include:
Many AP services specialise in SEMH, autism, ADHD, medical needs or behaviour support.
Local authorities must ensure that any child of compulsory school age who is not receiving suitable education in school receives provision under:
The provision must be:
For pupils with an EHCP, the local authority must ensure all provision in Section F is delivered.
Alternative provision is commonly used for pupils with:
AP can be part of an EHCP, an EOTAS package, or a temporary placement.
Support may include:
Read about SEND support in alternative provision
All alternative provision must:
AP should be reviewed at least every 6–12 weeks, with clear reintegration or progression plans.
