retained advisory

A Conversation with Emma Bradshaw, Executive Principal and CEO of Alternative Learning Trust

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, Article, CEO, free schools, Interview, Profiles, Schools, SEND, Testimonials

A Conversation with Emma Bradshaw, Executive Principal and CEO of Alternative Learning TrustPAG puts our clients and, ultimately the children and communities they serve, at the heart of everything we do. While we don’t set foot in the classroom (though some of us did before joining the company), we know that by working with our clients to deliver the best …

unregistered ap

Unregistered AP: Challenges, Reforms, and the Future

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, Attainment Gap, Case Studies, DfE, free schools, Local Authorities, Safeguarding

Unregistered Alternative Provision: Challenges, Reforms, and the Future What is Unregistered AP?  Unregistered AP typically caters to students who are unable to thrive in mainstream education settings due to behavioral issues, special educational needs, or other challenges. However, the absence of regulation and consistent standards has led to systemic weaknesses that place vulnerable children at risk. Unlike registered schools, these settings …

SEND budgets

The Growing SEND Budget Crisis

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, Article, Case Studies, DfE, Early Years, free schools, Fund, Local Authorities, Schools, SEND

The Growing SEND Budget CrisisCouncils across England are facing alarming shortfalls in their SEND budget, critical for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The BBC recently uncovered that councils predict a deficit nearing £1 billion in funds allocated for these students. This shortfall is exacerbated by increasing demands and mounting financial pressures on local authorities.Escalating Deficits and …

SEND transport

The Rising Cost of SEND Transport

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, Article, free schools, Governance, Independent schools, Inequalities, Local Authorities, Schools, SEND

The Rising Cost of SEND Transport In recent years, councils across England have faced a significant financial challenge that has largely flown under the radar: the skyrocketing cost of providing school transport for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). A comprehensive investigation by the BBC has laid bare the extent of this issue, revealing a nearly doubled expenditure within …

alternative provision specialist taskforces

Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforces (APST)

PAG Staff2024, alternative provision, DfE, free schools, Inequalities, Policy, Safeguarding, Schools, SEND

Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforces (APST) The Department for Education (DfE) has embarked on a transformative approach to support vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation, gang involvement or serious violence, or falling out of education or employment through the introduction of Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforces (APST). This initiative aims to keep these individuals engaged in their education, steer them away from …