In an ideal world, every pupil would thrive in a mainstream school setting, engaging with their lessons, making progress, and feeling safe and supported. But for some children and young people, the traditional classroom environment isn’t the right fit — and that’s where Alternative Provision (often referred to as AP) comes in.

This article explains what Alternative Provision is, who it’s designed to support, and how schools, parents, and local authorities can access the right provision for the right pupil at the right time.

What Does “Alternative Provision” Mean?

Alternative Provision refers to education that is arranged by local authorities or schools for pupils who, for a variety of reasons, cannot attend mainstream school full-time. This might be due to behavioural difficulties, social or emotional needs, medical issues, school refusal, exclusion, or other personal circumstances.

The government defines Alternative Provision 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 can be delivered in a variety of settings. These might include:

• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)
• Independent Alternative Provision providers
• Specialist providers focusing on mental health, SEND, or vocational skills
• Online or blended learning platforms
• One-to-one or small-group tuition

In short, it’s any educational arrangement that sits outside the standard classroom but still aims to support learning, development, and progress towards qualifications or next steps.

Who Is Alternative Provision For?

Alternative Provision is designed to support a wide range of pupils who are struggling to access or succeed in mainstream education. This includes, but isn’t limited to:

Pupils with Behavioural or Emotional Needs

Some young people may experience difficulties with behaviour or emotional regulation in a school environment. This can lead to repeated exclusions, low engagement, or difficulty forming positive relationships with staff and peers. AP settings often provide more individualised support and smaller class sizes, which can help pupils re-engage with learning in a more supportive setting.

Pupils with Mental Health Challenges

Anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health issues can make attending mainstream school overwhelming or even impossible. Alternative Provision can offer a more flexible, therapeutic, and understanding environment that meets young people where they are and works at a pace that supports recovery.

Pupils with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)

While mainstream schools are required to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with SEND, some learners may need a more specialist approach. Alternative Provision can offer targeted support for needs such as autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, or learning difficulties — particularly where these needs are linked with social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Pupils at Risk of Exclusion

For some children, AP can act as a preventative measure. Rather than waiting until a young person is permanently excluded, a school might refer them to an AP provider on a part-time basis to help them manage their behaviour, build resilience, and remain engaged in education.

Pupils Who Are School Refusers or Missing from Education

Some pupils may experience persistent difficulties attending school, often due to anxiety, bullying, trauma, or complex home circumstances. Alternative Provision can be a crucial stepping stone to help them re-engage with education in a way that feels safe and manageable.

Young People Seeking a Vocational or Practical Route

Not all students thrive on a purely academic pathway. Some may benefit from practical, hands-on learning — such as construction, animal care, catering, or hair and beauty. Alternative Provision can offer these vocational routes, helping learners develop skills and gain qualifications that support future employment or training.

What Makes Good Alternative Provision?

Quality matters in Alternative Provision — not all settings are equal, and the right support can make a huge difference in a young person’s life.

Good AP providers typically offer:

• A personalised curriculum tailored to the pupil’s needs
• High staff-to-pupil ratios for more targeted support
• Qualified, experienced staff who understand complex needs
• Strong safeguarding procedures and clear behaviour expectations
• Therapeutic support, counselling or mental health expertise
• Opportunities for academic progress, including GCSEs, functional skills or vocational qualifications
• A clear plan for reintegration to mainstream or transition to post-16 education or employment

Parents and schools should feel confident asking questions about a provider’s curriculum, staffing, outcomes, and ethos. Ofsted inspections and local authority quality assurance frameworks can also offer guidance.

How Do Pupils Access Alternative Provision?

Accessing Alternative Provision in the UK typically involves collaboration between schools, parents or carers, and the local authority. There are several routes:

• School-led referrals: A school may place a pupil in off-site provision to support their behaviour, mental health or engagement. This can be short or long-term, part-time or full-time.
• Local authority placements: For permanently excluded pupils or those not on a school roll, the local authority is responsible for arranging suitable education — often through a PRU or another AP setting.
• SEND-related placements: Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) may be placed in Alternative Provision where it is named as part of their provision.
• Parental involvement: Parents should be involved in any decision to place a child in AP, and in most cases, must give consent for the move.

The Role of EHCPs in Alternative Provision

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that outlines a child or young person’s special educational needs and the support they require to meet those needs. For some pupils, the mainstream school named in their EHCP may no longer be suitable, especially if their emotional, behavioural or medical needs have become more complex. In such cases, the local authority may consult with Alternative Provision providers as a more appropriate setting. AP providers must be able to deliver the support outlined in the EHCP, including access to therapeutic input, tailored teaching strategies, and any specialist interventions required. It is essential that EHCPs remain up to date and accurately reflect the child’s current needs to ensure the right provision is put in place. In some cases, Alternative Provision may be used on a temporary basis as part of a managed transition back into education following a period of disengagement or crisis.

What Are the Outcomes for Pupils in AP?

There is growing recognition of the value that Alternative Provision can bring. While historically outcomes have been varied, high-quality AP settings now achieve excellent results — not only in terms of qualifications, but also in re-engaging pupils with learning, improving self-esteem, and developing life skills.

Successful AP placements often support young people to:

1. Gain qualifications such as GCSEs or vocational awards

2. Return to mainstream school with improved confidence

3. Move on to further education, apprenticeships or employment

4. Build stronger relationships and coping strategies

5. Feel seen, heard, and supported

The Role of Tutoring in Alternative Provision

Tutoring can be a highly effective part of a broader Alternative Provision offer. Whether a pupil needs to catch up in core subjects, build confidence after a period out of education, or access a curriculum that suits their learning style, high-quality tuition can make a real difference. At Manning’s Tutors, we work in partnership with schools, local authorities, and other AP providers to deliver personalised, targeted tuition that supports academic progress and emotional wellbeing. Our tutors are experienced in working with learners with a wide range of needs — including SEND, SEMH, and school anxiety — and we tailor every programme to meet the pupil where they are. Whether delivered face-to-face or online, our tuition helps ensure that no learner is left behind.

Final Thoughts

Alternative Provision is not a second-best option — when done well, it can be life-changing. It offers a vital lifeline for pupils who are struggling to access mainstream education, giving them the time, space and support they need to succeed.

Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child, a teacher looking for support for a pupil, or a local authority professional managing referrals, it’s essential to understand the role of AP and what quality looks like. When used thoughtfully and in partnership with families, Alternative Provision can help every young person reach their potential — no matter the barriers they face.