Alternative provision quality

How to judge whether a placement away from school is good enough.

What it is

Where a pupil is placed in alternative provision, the commissioner — school or council — remains responsible for the quality and for the pupil's safeguarding and progress.

Where it applies

Any pupil in AP, whether after exclusion, for health reasons or for behaviour support.

How it works

Statutory guidance expects clear objectives, a suitable curriculum, qualified staff, safeguarding checks and regular review — and that the provision is registered where it is required to be.

Unregistered provision operating as a full-time school is unlawful, and it exists.

What you can ask for

Ask how many hours a week are provided and whether that is full time. If it is not, ask why in writing and cite section 19.

Ask whether the provider is registered and whether it has been inspected.

Ask who is monitoring progress, how often, and what the plan for reintegration is.

Where to get help

The council's AP or inclusion team. Ofsted's register for whether a provider is inspected. IPSEA and Child Law Advice.