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:

  • 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

  • AP Academies and AP free schools

  • 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)

  • Independent Schools (unregistered)

  • AP Units

  • AP in Special Schools

  • AP in Further Education (FE)

  • 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

  • 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

 

Any alternative provision listed in the Local Offer does not represent an endorsement or indicate that Southwark local authority have quality assured a specific provider. The list aims to help both parents and schools to know what is available locally.

Quality assurance of alternative provision is the responsibility of the commissioner. It is advisable to check with the person arranging alternative provision what arrangements they have made to ensure the suitability and quality of provision for your child.