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Updated February 2025 statutory guidance replacing 2013 version. Covers statutory duties, safeguarding, unregistered AP, in-school units, funding and reintegration expectations

This report was presented to Parliament following the publication of the SEND and AP Green Paper, which in turn explored issues present within the current SEND system, researched as part of a 16-week consultation. March 2023. DfE.

This report looks into the issue of alternative provision and pupil referral units in England. It describes the current situation [in 2012] and makes recommendations to improve this important, but often ignored, sector. 2012.  DfE.

This paper provides practical insights into how young people can be supported in making sustained post-16 transitions from AP based on learning from the APIF projects. This learning is particularly important in the context of the impact of Covid-19 on risk of becoming NEET. May 2021. DfE.

This paper provides practical insights into how AP practitioners can collaborate to improve opportunities for successful reintegration, based on learning from the APIF projects. This paper will be of particular interest to those working in AP, mainstream and special schools, as well as local authorities, e.g. as a checklist for discussion when reviewing their provision/role in the reintegration of young people in AP.  May 2021. DfE.

The Alternative Provision Innovation Fund (APIF) supported nine projects in testing new approaches to improving outcomes for young people in alternative provision (AP).  Parent and carer engagement is an important part of AP practice. This paper provides practical insights into how parents and carers were engaged and supported. This paper will be of particular interest to those working in AP, mainstream and special schools, as well as local authorities, e.g. as a checklist for discussion when reviewing their provision/role in engaging parents/carer of young people in AP. May 2021. DfE.

In July 2018 Ecorys and the University of Sussex were commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to conduct an independent evaluation of the Alternative Provision Innovation Fund (APIF). The APIF was introduced as part of the Government's new vision for alternative provision (AP) and was launched in March 2018. May 2021. DfE.

This is advice from the Department for Education on statutory duties and powers concerning the use of alternative provision. January 2013, DfE.

Implementation advice on introducing a multi-disciplinary specialist taskforce within an AP school.  March 2024.  DfE.

The Department for Education commissioned this literature review to explore the evidence for effective strategies that support young people in alternative provision to increase attainment at key stage 4 and to make a successful transition to post-16 provision.  Sue Tate and Professor David Greatbatch, January 2017. DfE.

This toolkit sets out the areas that will be evaluated and graded on standard inspections of non-association independent schools inspected by Ofsted under sections 108 and 109 of the Education and Skills Act 2008. It can also be used by leaders to support self-evaluation and continuous improvement. Ofsted, November 2025.