New autumn term partnerships to support pupils at risk of exclusion

We will be introducing ten new Local Planning Partnerships (LPPs) across Norfolk from autumn 2025 to enable school leaders to make shared decisions on how new provision should be used to support children and young people at risk of exclusion. 

This is part of our Norfolk Alternative Provision Strategy, which sets out how pupils at risk of exclusion in secondary schools will be supported based on the DfE three-tiered model.  

• Tier 1 is targeted support in mainstream schools which is early intervention and outreach support.  
• Tier 2 is time-limited placements in 19 new SEMH bases and centres.  
• Tier 3 is transitional placements in Alternative Provision schools.  

Further information and an updated timeline for implementation of new provision is now live on the Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers website. 

Local Planning Partnerships 

The vision established and shared for the AP Strategy at the beginning of the programme outlines the principle of collective decision-making. This approach is supported by strong evidence that it achieves more positive outcomes as it enables school leaders to work collaboratively to support pupils across their local area. 

To facilitate this, Norfolk secondary schools have been grouped into ten LPPs. 

The formation of the LPPs has been guided by the principles of the Local First Inclusion Programme, 

• Enabling pupils to access provision within or near their own community 
• Reducing travel time for pupils 
• Considering demand and sufficiency needs across Norfolk 
• Building on existing school relationships 

There has been an LPP pilot in King's Lynn, which has informed wider planning that delivered positive outcomes for the schools involved. 

Secondary school Head teachers will be contacted, by email, next week, to inform you which partnership your school is part of and planned start dates for meetings.  

However, it is our intention to introduce LPPs across Norfolk from autumn 2025 to enable school leaders to make shared decisions on how the Tier one and Tier two provision should be used to support pupils across their schools.  

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact alternativeprovision@norfolk.gov.uk.