Alternative Provision

Introduction to the Norfolk Alternative Provision Strategy

The Norfolk Alternative Provision (AP) Strategy sets out a new landscape of provision for children at risk of exclusion from mainstream secondary schools.

The strategy and its delivery model have been developed, and is being delivered in partnership with schools and in consultation with the Norfolk AP Steering Group.

This new approach will improve support for children, families and schools, so wherever possible, children can successfully remain in a mainstream school close to their home, with siblings and friends, to enable them to flourish in their local community.

It aims to prevent exclusions wherever possible, reducing the overall number of permanent exclusions across Norfolk.

The strategy is based upon the Department for Education (DfE) three-tiered model for Alternative Provision as shown below.

Tier 1
Targeted support in mainstream schools AP specialist interventions and support to help at-risk pupils stay in mainstream school

Tier 1

Targeted support in mainstream schools

AP specialist interventions and support to help at-risk pupils stay in mainstream school

Tier 2
Time-limited placements Short-term placements in AP schools to assess and address pupil's needs, with the expectation of return to their mainstream school.

Tier 2

Time-limited placements

Short-term placements in AP schools to assess and address pupil's needs, with the expectation of return to their mainstream school.

Tier 3
Transitional placements Placements in AP schools for pupils who need support to move on to a new mainstream school or sustained post-16 destination.

Tier 3

Transitional placements

Placements in AP schools for pupils who need support to move on to a new mainstream school or sustained post-16 destination.

Our vision is for young peope to access high quality alternative provision which enables them to re-engage with education in a mainstream school or to transition to an appropriate setting

The vision for delivering the strategy is based on the four principles as shown below.

A graduated offer of Alternative Provision (AP)
For earlier access to support
As a positive pathway for young people
Through collective decision making with schools in local areas

Embedding the principles of collective decision-making around the needs of children and young people who are at risk of exclusion from school is central to the strategy. We are enabling decision-making for support and placements through Local Planning Partnerships to achieve this aim.

Next : Tier 1 - Offer of Outreach and Targeted Support

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