What schools should know
Responsibility for the alternative provision used rests with the school commissioning the placement. This includes commissioning alternative provision via the local authority’s provided placements or when making their own arrangements.
Commissioning schools should carefully consider what providers are available that can meet the needs of their pupils, including the quality and safety of the provision.
The school commissioning the placement should maintain on-going contact with the provider and pupil, with clear procedures in place to exchange information, monitor progress and provide pastoral support.
The school commissioning the placement should maintain a full record of all placements they make, including a pupil’s progress, achievements and destination following the placement. This should also include the pupil’s own assessment of their placement.