The government will today unveil plans to “transform” alternative provision to address concerns that some of the most vulnerable children in society are being failed.

The Department for Education said a “roadmap” will set out how it will ensure that alternative provision (AP) settings provide high-quality teaching and an education that meets the individual needs of young people.

The move comes as the Commons Education Select Committee continues its investigation into the sector, which it launched following the publication of figures showing that young people in alternative provision are far less likely to achieve good exam results, find well-paid jobs or go on to further study.

Education secretary Damian Hinds also announced a review of school exclusions today, and a call for evidence on how to improve educational outcomes for “children in need”. A “child in need” is defined as a child who has been assessed to be in need of social care services.

He said: “Children only get one chance at their education and they deserve the best. But for too many children - and often those who are most vulnerable - there are inconsistencies when it comes to their experiences of school and too many parents are left worried and concerned.

“That’s not good enough, which is why we are going to improve our understanding of these important issues and tackle them head-on.”

Moving pupils back into the mainstream

Today’s announcement also includes a £4 million fund to develop new ways to help children with additional needs move from alternative provision into mainstream education or special schools.

It is an issue that has been raised before the select committee, with one pupil-referral unit leader telling MPs that schools that refuse to take back pupils from alternative provision should be denied Ofsted’s “outstanding” grade.

The DfE said the Alternative Provision Innovation Fund will also fund schemes to support young people moving from alternative provision into training or post-16 education.

Mr Hinds’ statement comes amid numerous other concerns about the state of the alternative provision sector.

Earlier this month, DfE-commissioned research found that 90 per cent of secondary school headteachers believe that there are not enough places in alternative provision for pupils with mental health needs.

And heads’ leaders have raised fears that an “acute” teaching recruitment crisis, funding pressures and delays accessing council specialist support services mean ”the odds are stacked against pupils who require the support of alternative provision schools”.

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