Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “alternative provision”
Fixing the SEND Crisis – Solutions That Can’t Wait As has been widely documented and reported on – the SEND crisis is at breaking point. With rising costs, limited provision, and stretched local authority resources, too many children are missing out on the education and support they not only need, but deserve. We were proud to submit evidence to the …
DfE Alternative Provision Guidance 2025: What Schools, Trusts, and Local Authorities Need to Know The Department for Education (DfE) has published its updated alternative provision (AP) guidance, replacing the 2013 version. With new policies, statutory expectations, and a stronger focus on reintegration, this guidance provides critical updates for local authorities, MATs, and schools arranging alternative provision for students. In this …
A Conversation with Emma Bradshaw, Executive Principal and CEO of Alternative Learning Trust PAG 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 …
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, …
The Growing SEND Budget Crisis Councils 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 …
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 …
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 …