A Note on Unregistered Provision
As an unregistered alternative provision, we offer support to children and young people on a part time basis, where it is felt that they will benefit from bespoke, holistic education packages as part of their educational journey. We know there is concern about unregistered alternative provisions and their status as illegal schools. We also know that there is a national focus on ensuring that all children and young people are in suitable full time settings.
As a leading provider in this space, we ensure that our provision is of the highest quality, and offers children and young people routes back to full time education wherever possible. We believe that when commissioned with the right intentions, provision like ours can be a crucial step to re-engaging those referred to us. We also know that demand for our services is growing. In 2023, it is estimated that of the 67,600 AP places commissioned, 17% of these were with unregistered providers. We have seen growth in the number of referrals made to us year on year since then.
We see the positive impact of our support on children and young people in a range of circumstances, including
- Those who have become disengaged from school, those who have been permanently excluded, and emotionally based school avoiders (EBSA).
- Those who have experienced trauma and dysregulation, and require the support of a trusted adult to make the most of their education (for example Looked After Children, or those with a Social Worker).
- Those waiting to transition to a special school place when it comes available.
- Those whose additional needs are complex and cannot be met in a school setting. For example children and young people who receive EOTAS (Educated Other Than At School) or those with life limiting illnesses.
The outcomes we support these children and young people towards vary depending on their needs. Some will be supported to continue successfully at their mainstream setting, others will be working towards a successful mainstream reintegration. Others will never be able to attend a mainstream or full time setting due to the complexity of their needs. All of these young people deserve access to high quality education that is safe, tailored to their needs, and aspirational.
Targeted Provision’s Standards
To provide insight into the steps we take to quality assure our services, and to instil confidence in our commissioners, we have decided to share the standards that we uphold. We would like to see these standards taken up by as many unregistered providers as possible.
All standards come from national education legislation, including:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2024
- NSPCC Safer Recruitment Training and Guidance
- The Ofsted Handbook
- The Independent Schools Standards
- Gov's Alternative Provision guidance (2013)
- Working Together to Improve School Attendance and Working Together to Safeguard Children
These standards have been endorsed by PRUSAP and the NAHE and have been written with the advice of Steve Shaw, Independent Consultant and Ex HMI of SEND and AP at Ofsted, and Safeguarding Network. We also consulted Margaret Mullholland, Honorary Norham Fellow at the University of Oxford and Inclusivity and Special Educational Needs Specialist.
