Introduction
This guidance is based upon section 19(1) of the Education Act 1996, which defines the exceptional provision of education in pupil referral units or elsewhere, such as alternative provision providers. It follows the alternative provision statutory guidance , which provides a set of guiding principles that all Lincolnshire schools should follow.
The Lincolnshire ladder of behavioural intervention (the ladder) is underpinned by current statutory guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions and its companion piece on behaviour in schools. The ladder translates this advice into a clear protocol for Lincolnshire schools through an evidence-based approach to early intervention and signposting to resources available to enable the inclusion of vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils.
The ladder supports schools to work with the pupil and family to understand the underlying causes of behaviour through early intervention, and the additional support that is needed.
It is for individual schools to develop their own best practice for managing behaviour. Access to alternative provision can form part of whole school planning, including strategies, practices and interventions. Supporting pupils to improve their behaviour by ensuring that they benefit from high quality provision, which is safe, secure and appropriate to their individual needs.
The Ofsted school inspection handbook highlights the potential significant impact on an inspection outcome in relation to a school’s use of alternative provision:
A school is likely to be judged inadequate for leadership and management if:
- it is making ineffective or inappropriate use of alternative provision
- it is using inappropriate alternative provision
- leaders have not taken the necessary steps to assure themselves of the suitability of a provision, including its COVID-19 safety arrangements
- leaders are not aware of how many of their pupils attend alternative provision
- leaders are not taking responsibility for their pupils who attend alternative provision.
Where a pupil has an EHC plan, schools must ensure that they liaise with the local authority and inform the pupil’s SEND caseworker of the intention to access an alternative provision placement. A discussion must take place before progressing any further.
Schools are able to make their own arrangements with alternative provision providers. However, local authorities are expected to have a good understanding of any alternative provision, regulated or unregulated, directly commissioned or purchased by schools.
To enable Lincolnshire County Council to achieve this, we expect all Lincolnshire schools to complete and return information regarding all alternative provision providers you commission which are not arranged by Lincolnshire County Council. For example, you do not need to complete this information for Springwell Academy or Pilgrim Hospital School.
The return for each alternative provision provider you commission needs to be completed at the start of each academic year and then as and when you commission more, if applicable, throughout the year.