Alternative provision is defined as: 'Education arranged by local authorities for pupils who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise receive suitable education; education arranged by schools for pupils on a fixed period exclusion; and pupils being directed by schools to off-site provision to improve their behaviour.'
(Alternative Provision Statutory guidance for local authorities. DfE January 2013)
Prior to completing this form you will need the following:
- Pupil details
- Details of the child's status
- Details of the alternative provision
Governing bodies of maintained schools have the power to direct a pupil off-site for education. Under revised off-site regulations the governing body must:
- Ensure that parents (and the local authority where the pupil has an EHC Plan) are given clear information about the placement, including: why, when, where, and how it will be reviewed.
- Keep the placement under review and involve parents in the review. Reviews should be frequent enough to provide assurance that the off-site education is achieving its objectives and that the pupil is benefitting from it.
- Have regard to guidance from the Secretary of State on the use of this power.
This legislation does not apply to Academies. They can arrange off-site provision for similar purposes under their general powers, set out in the Academy Trust’s Articles of Association. Though the regulations and guidance do not apply, they can provide academies with an example of good practice.
Alternative provision should be good quality, registered where appropriate, and delivered by high quality staff with suitable training, experience and safeguarding checks. It should have clearly defined objectives relating to personal and academic attainment.
If you have any problems completing the form, please contact the Attendance Support team at attendancesupport@hillingdon.gov.uk
