Alternative provision

Alternative provision can help children and young people who are finding it difficult to access education because of poor mental health, anxiety, illness, or exclusion from school. For most children, it is a short-term intervention that supports them to return to mainstream education.

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What alternative provision is

School is the best place to learn for most children and young people. Alternative provision (AP) provides education and support when a child is unable to access their usual school environment.

Alternative provision should help children overcome barriers to learning and, where appropriate, return to mainstream education.

You can find out more about alternative provision on the GOV.UK alternative provision guidance.

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Types of alternative provision

A child may benefit from one of the following levels of support.

Targeted support in mainstream school

This involves specialist early intervention and support to help a pupil stay in mainstream education if they are at risk of being out of school.

Time-limited placements

This involves a short-term placement at an alternative provision setting to assess and address a pupil's needs. The aim is for the pupil to return to their mainstream school.

Transitional placements

This involves a placement at an alternative provision setting to help a pupil move to a new mainstream school or a long-term post-16 destination.

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How long a placement lasts

Alternative provision placements should be time limited.

If your child is on roll at a school, the school will usually agree a placement lasting between six and 12 weeks. The length of the placement will depend on how many days a week your child attends.

The school will arrange a review meeting and should invite you to attend. During the review, the school and provider will discuss your child's progress with you.

A placement may be extended if your child is making progress and everyone agrees that more time would be in their best interests. Any extension should include clear learning outcomes and a programme of support.

If your child is not on roll at a school and the council has arranged the provision, you will have a named council contact. They will:

• oversee your child's timetable
• maintain a Learner's Intervention Plan
• arrange regular reviews of your child's placement

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Benefits of alternative provision

Alternative provision settings often offer:

• smaller group sizes
• learning programmes tailored to individual needs
• greater access to therapeutic and pastoral support
• staff experienced in supporting children and young people who display challenging behaviour

Alternative providers can also use more flexible and creative approaches to meet individual needs.

Some children and young people find that alternative provision reduces the pressures associated with larger mainstream schools. Learning programmes that focus less on academic outcomes can help some pupils feel more confident and engaged in education.

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Who can arrange alternative provision

Schools and other education providers can commission alternative provision directly. Most alternative providers are not registered with the Department for Education (DfE).

The council operates a quality assurance framework and maintains a list of quality-assured providers. This helps schools and other organisations identify suitable provision available in the Swindon area.

View the directory on the Local Offer website.

The organisations on this list have completed due diligence checks. However, the school or education setting commissioning the placement remains responsible for ensuring that the provision meets all statutory education and safeguarding requirements.

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Internal alternative provision in schools

Every school must publish a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Information Report on its website each year.

The report explains the support available for pupils, including the school's graduated response to special educational needs and disabilities. It should also state whether the school offers internal alternative provision.

View the Swindon SEND education guide.

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Transport to alternative provision

Responsibility for transport depends on who arranged the placement.

• If your child is on roll at a school, the school is responsible for transport arrangements
• If your child is not on roll at a school and the council arranged the placement, the council is responsible for transport arrangements

Some parents and carers choose to take their child to the provision, and this may work well in some circumstances. However, schools and the council must not expect parents or carers to provide transport.