Library

This document sets out the Department for Education (DfE)’s non-statutory standards for non-school alternative provision (also known as unregistered alternative provision).  In its response to its consultation on unregistered alternative provision, the government has announced that intends to legislate to introduce mandatory national standards for non-school alternative provision when parliamentary time allows. The standards are intended to inform the local oversight and commissioning of non-school alternative provision; and to set clear and consistent requirements for providers. Until the standards become mandatory, the government and DfE encourages local authorities to adopt them voluntarily to support and improve current practice.

This document provides a guide to the legislation that governs the suspension and permanent exclusion of pupils2 from all maintained schools (including special schools), pupil referral units (PRUs), academy schools (including free schools, special schools, studio schools and university technology colleges) and alternative provision academies (including alternative provision free schools) in England. It also includes the use of behavioural strategies such as managed moves and directing pupils off-site to improve their behaviour to help prevent a suspension or permanent exclusion.

This publication provides advice to schools on behaviour in schools and the related legal duties of headteachers, and members of staff. It includes guidance on support for pupils to behave well and the powers of staff when responding to misbehaviour. This non-statutory guidance should not be taken as a complete or definitive statement of the law nor as a substitute for the relevant legislation. Legal advice should be sought as appropriate.

Statutory code governing school admissions including Fair Access Protocols, which determine how hard-to-place pupils — often AP users — gain school places.

Sets out DfE policy and approach to prosecuting providers operating as unregistered independent schools. Directly relevant to unregistered AP settings.

This is non-statutory guidance from the Department for Education (the department). It has been produced to support school proprietors, school staff and governing bodies of independent schools, in understanding their obligations under the Independent School Standards (ISS) contained in the Schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and made under section 94 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.

Statutory guidance on schools' duty to support pupils with medical conditions, intersecting with AP requirements for children who cannot attend mainstream.

Guidance requiring LAs and schools to ensure children with health needs receive a high-quality education equivalent to mainstream, which may include AP

Guidance for schools, trusts, local authorities and other partners on securing good pupil attendance. Updated 2024 as statutory guidance.

Statutory guidance covering education, health and care for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including those in AP settings.

Voluntary standards for non-school AP settings ahead of forthcoming legislation. Covers safeguarding, health & safety, quality and staffing requirements.

Statutory guidance for maintained schools, academies and PRUs on lawful suspension and permanent exclusion, including the requirement to arrange AP from day six.