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alternative provision

Alternative Provision (AP) is education arranged for children and young people who cannot attend mainstream school full-time—whether due to unmet SEND needs, social, emotional or mental health needs, anxiety-based school avoidance, medical needs, behaviour-related barriers or challenges linked to trauma.

 

In most cases, alternative provision is organised by a learner’s on-roll school, who retain overall responsibility for their education. Where a school place has broken down or is no longer viable, the Local Authority may commission a placement directly.​

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What Alternative Provision Is For

 

Alternative provision is not a permanent destination. It is designed to be a supportive, time-limited intervention with a clear purpose:

 

  • To help stabilise a young person who is struggling in education

  • To understand their needs through careful assessment and relationship-based practice

  • To reduce barriers to learning and rebuild confidence and engagement

  • To develop emotional regulation, routines and readiness to learn

  • To prepare for a successful next step — whether that is:

    • returning to mainstream school

    • transitioning to a more specialist setting

    • moving towards exam success or accredited pathways

    • building future skills for life and adulthood​

 

Our Approach to Alternative Provision

 

Since 2014, Arise Education has specialised in AP that is therapeutic, relational and evidence-informed. We offer:

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  • Highly personalised and bespoke timetables

  • Small group or 1:1 teaching

  • A broad and balanced curriculum, including core subjects and vocational options

  • Integrated therapeutic practice within the school day

  • Social, emotional and communication development

  • Outdoor learning and enrichment opportunities

  • Wraparound support for families and ongoing collaboration with professionals

 

We don’t just manage behaviour—we understand the story behind it. Our goal is to remove barriers, nurture resilience and restore a young person’s belief in themselves.

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Accessing Alternative Provision

 

If you are exploring AP for a young person:​

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  • Schools should contact us directly to discuss potential placements

  • Parents and carers should speak to their child’s school in the first instance

  • Local Authorities can commission placements where a school place is not available

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