Education - AP - Alternative Provision

The Alternative Provision (AP) Service supports children and young people who are unable to attend mainstream school, including those who have been permanently excluded. 

The service ensures that pupils who are permanently excluded are placed in an alternative education setting from day 6, in line with legal requirements. 

How the service supports

The AP service works with schools and alternative provision settings to:

• Support pupils during and after exclusion
• Help pupils reintegrate back into mainstream education where appropriate
• Co-ordinate support between different services and settings

Multi-agency support

The AP service leads a multi-agency approach for children and young people with behavioural needs who may need additional support but do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Support is provided through a structured three-tier model, with input from:

• Senior local authority officers
• Headteachers from across the district

This may include a short-term "step-out" offer, designed to provide additional support outside of the mainstream setting.

Access to this support must be requested by the child or young person's school or academy. 

Additional roles

The AP service also:

• Provides quality assurance for alternative provision settings
• Offers emergency advice and guidance to schools
• Works with partner services to ensure appropriate follow-up and support

For further information about AP panels and available support can be found here:

https://educationservices.wakefield.gov.uk/Page/18365

Email: inclusionpanels@wakefield.gov.uk