Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Accepted
Paragraph: 118
Alternative provision should not be a long-term solution or used for behaviour management.
Conclusion
We heard that alternative provision settings are providing useful interventions for pupils with attendance issues, we accept that it can be used as a process for reintegration. But, it is clear that alternative provision should not be seen as a long- term solution, nor should it be used to manage behaviour concerns, due to the level of education provided in these settings. We also heard that some pupils with SEND are being placed in alternative provision without a proper understanding or assessment of their needs.
Government Response Summary
The Government acknowledges the committee's findings and is implementing alternative provision reforms through its Change Programme to ensure AP is used as a time-limited intervention, providing high-quality targeted support and building mainstream school capacity.
Paragraph Reference:
118
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government acknowledges that if needs and behaviours that present a barrier to attendance were addressed earlier, more children could be supported to thrive in their mainstream school. That is why the proposed alternative provision reforms will see alternative provision schools work closely in partnership with mainstream schools to provide high-quality targeted support and one-to-one interventions. This will build capacity in mainstream schools to identify and support needs early, reducing the numbers of preventable exclusions and expensive long-term placements, and lead to improvements in children’s wellbeing and outcomes, including attendance. Through the Change Programme outlined above, The Department is testing a new model for the alternative provision system across three tiers of support that focuses on targeted support in mainstream schools; time-limited placements for those who need more intensive support; and transitional placements for those children and young people who will be supported to reintegrate into mainstream education or move to a post-16 destination. This new approach will support alternative provision to be used as a time limited intervention for young people, instead of a destination. Over time, this will increase attendance and reduce the number of preventable exclusions and expensive long-term placements, as needs will be identified and supported earlier.