Alternative Provision: Education Other than School
Local authorities are responsible for arranging suitable education for permanently excluded pupils, and for other pupils who – because of illness or other reasons – would not receive suitable education without such arrangements being made.
Governing bodies of schools are responsible for arranging suitable full-time education from the sixth day of a fixed period exclusion. Schools may also direct pupils off-site for education, to help improve their behaviour.
An AP provider must be registered as an Independent school if it meets the criteria for registration (that it provides full-time education to five or more full-time pupils of compulsory school age or one such pupil who is looked-after or has a statement of SEN). All AP Academies and AP Free Schools must be registered as independent schools whether or not they are full-time or part-time.
Here are some of the different types of alternative education:
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Pupil referral Unit (PRU) This exists to help children find their way back into mainstream schooling or onto a vocational pathway that better meets their needs. Many children and young people who go to the PRU have experienced difficulties caused by their behaviour
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AP Academies and AP free schools
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Independent Schools (registered) provides full-time education to five or more full-time pupils of compulsory school age or one such pupil who is looked-after or has a statement of SEN)
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Independent Schools (unregistered)
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AP Units
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AP in Special Schools
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AP in Further Education (FE)
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Home Education - You must notify the Council if you intend to educate at home. The first step is to request a pack from the Council. You can do this by either emailing: electivehomeeducation@southwark.gov.uk or by calling: 0207 525 4780
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Online learning - This can offer a solution where there are significant barriers to a child or young person physically attending a school. There are online providers which offer a subscription package