Every year thousands of pupils find themselves in alternative provision (AP), many of these children with diagnosed or undiagnosed SEND. We have created a round up of our best content and resources of AP. 

Podcast

Season 6 Episode 2: Thinking outside the box – using holistic approaches for tiered provision with Amy Husband (Academy21)

In this episode of the SEND Network Podcast, Izzy is joined by Amy Husband, Head of School Academic at Academy 21 (our season six sponsor!) Amy introduces the three-tier approach, with a focus on tier three provision, and looks at the benefits of online learning.

Articles

8 tips for student success with online alternative provision

At Academy21, we want to ensure you get the most from our high-quality, flexible provision and that your students are best equipped to reach their individual goals.

Making provision for the hidden children missing from our education system

In this feature focus on alternative provision, Sal McKeown speaks to Lisa Alberti, founder of Pinc College, about the challenges many children face and the ways in which alternative provision can help them find their feet outside of mainstream education 

Is online school a genuine choice for neurodiverse children?

Thomas Keaney, Founder & CEO at TCES Group and Nasen's SEND Leader of the Year, shares his thoughts about online education and how it risks becoming just another way that families of neurodiverse children feel forced to leave the system

Beyond exclusion: supporting children who struggle in school

In this article, Sal McKeown takes an in-depth look at what Alternative Provision can bring to children who are out of school or not in full-time attendance. 

Transforming SEND & Alternative Provision conference: Why is structure important for a child's learning?

This article shares insights from a session during the Transforming SEND & Alternative Provision conference in Manchester, during which delegates discovered why structure is important for children in alternative provision

The over-subscription of specialist schools: Too many children are being failed

In this blog post, I discuss the nation-wide shortage of specialist school places available with 52% of specialist state settings being over-subscribed. Speaking as both a parent and a practitioner, I argue that more information is needed about alternative provision.

The Transformative Power of Art for Students With SEND

Too many young people with SEND find it hard to develop confidence and social skills at school. Academic work is frequently a struggle, with the vast majority of SEND students not progressing to higher education. But art can be a tremendously powerful tool for unlocking these students’ potential.

Downloadable resources

Online Alternative Provision and Ofsted: A complete guide

In this guide, you will find some of the most common queries the Academy21 team receives from schools regarding their Ofsted inspections, how we can support and the latest Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS) for online education providers.

SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan summary

The below document is an easy to read summary of the government's response to the SEND and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan: Right Support, Right Place, Right Time

Meeting the increasing challenges of SEND provision in schools

The number of children and young people with SEND is increasing, putting pressure on provision and facilities within mainstream schools. A best practice roundtable brought together experts to hear advice, examples of good practice, and ideas for how we can meet these challenges...

Video Library

Kate Browning: Commissioning an Alternative Provision – guidance for mainstream schools

Kate Browning is a SEND Consultant. In this presentation, Kate looks at the key areas schools should consider when commissioning AP and the features of an effective partnership. 

Jane Friswell: SEND and Alternative Provision reforms: what they mean for practitioners and families

Jane Friswell, SEND Consultant gives the opening keynote at the CYPN SEND Summi on SEND and Alternative Provision reforms: what they mean for practitioners and families.

Understanding and working with alternative provisions

Natasha Chalk's presentation from the Tes SEND Show 2024, which delves into the realm of alternative provisions and explore strategies for successful collaboration and engagement. 

Andre Imich - Delivering the Principles of the SEND and AP Improvement Plan

Andre Imich, SEN and Disability Specialist Adviser, AI SEND Advisory Services, kicked off the Transforming SEND & Alternative Provision conference with this keynote address. You can listen to the full presentation below.