Measures to reform alternative provision outlined

Set out in the SEND and alternative provision green paper, the alternative provision schools system will be reformed.

The paper says that at their best, alternative provision schools are experts in supporting children and young people whose behaviour or other needs can present a barrier to learning. But, too often the role of alternative provision is unclear, and it is used too late or in a way that is not best focused on children’s needs.

To address these barriers, the DFE proposes to make alternative provision an integral part of local SEND systems by requiring new SEND partnerships to plan and deliver an alternative provision service focused on early intervention.

It proposes to give alternative provision schools the funding stability to deliver a service focused on early intervention by requiring local authorities to create and distribute an alternative provision specific budget.
    
The paper also proposes to develop a bespoke performance framework for alternative provision which sets robust standards focused on progress, re-integration into mainstream education or sustainable post-16 destinations.
    
The DfE also wants greater oversight and transparency on children and young people’s movements into and out of alternative provision.

It will also launch a call for evidence, before the summer, on the use of unregistered provision to investigate existing practice.