Alternative Provision

Alternative provision services

Regardless of circumstance or setting, all young people should have access to high-quality education. However, some children are currently out of education. Sometimes this is because there is no school place available which can meet the child’s need. Other times the child is unable to attend or access school for a variety of reasons. For those who have special educational needs, Vision Beyond Autism can deliver support that bridges the gap. We can provide a temporary educational setting that aims to re-engage children and young people with an education and support a successful transition into school when the child is ready and am appropriate school placement is identified.

What is alternative provision (AP)?

AP is education arranged for young people aged up to 16 who cannot access suitable full-time education in school. This may be due to physical or mental health, special educational needs, emotional or behavioural challenges or other exceptional circumstances. These circumstances may have led to ‘crisis’ – also known as a sudden or significant change that means a young person needs extra support.

AP ensures children can continue to learn in a way that meets their needs. The alternative provision provided must be suitable to the age, ability and special educational needs of the young person to ensure they receive the best support.

Who can benefit from AP?

Alternative Provision services are suited to pupils who:

• Are currently out of education, placement or school or on reduced timetables
• Are at risk of placement breakdown
• Have high anxiety or distress when in school

Placements can be short-term, transitional or longer term depending on need.

Features of alternative provision

AP can help young people back into education by:

• Providing smaller group sizes or individual sessions with high staff ratios
• Creating schedules and learning tailored to individual needs
• Progress monitoring in structured environments

Our approach

Vision Beyond Autism offers personalised alternative and independent provision for children and young people who are unable to access or sustain mainstream education.

Our aim is to reduce barriers to learning in our dedicated therapeutic space delivered by experienced staff. Our dedicated classroom and intervention spaces provide a calm, low-arousal environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, develop key skills and re-engage with learning.

We work in close partnership with local authorities, schools and families to deliver provision that is structured, consistent and outcomes focused. Each learner receives a personalised programme designed to address barriers to learning in traditional education in a structured, predictable environment.

While adjusted to the specific needs of the learner, all programmes focus on:

• Communication
• Emotional regulation
• Engagement with learning
• Independence
• Social understanding
• Preparation for future placements.

Progress is monitored and reviewed regularly with commissioners and families.

What is the aim of AP?

Our provision aims to:

• Increase engagement with education
• Reduce anxiety and distress
• Develop functional communication
• Build independence
• Stabilise placements
• Support transition to long-term provision