What alternative provision is, when it may help, and what to check before agreeing to a placement outside ordinary school.
8 min read
If your child is unsafe, self-harming, being harmed, missing significant education, or you feel close to crisis, seek same-day help from the right service: GP, NHS 111, 999 in an emergency, school safeguarding lead, social care, or your local mental health crisis route.
Alternative provision is education arranged outside a mainstream or special school. It may be used after exclusion, during illness, when a child would otherwise miss suitable education, or as part of a support package.
For children of compulsory school age, local authorities have a section 19 duty to arrange suitable and normally full-time education where a child would not otherwise receive it because of exclusion, illness or other reasons. It should be suitable for your child's age, ability, aptitude and SEND, and should not be used as a holding pen when the real issue is unmet need.
Ask who is responsible for the placement, how many hours are provided, what subjects or activities are covered, who is safeguarding lead, how progress is monitored, and how the plan links to your child's SEN Support or EHCP.
If your child has an EHCP, ask exactly how Section F provision will be delivered and whether an annual review is needed.
Alternative provision should have a purpose: reintegration, assessment, stabilisation, therapeutic support, or a bridge to a new placement. Ask what success looks like and when the plan will be reviewed.
If school or the local authority says there is no suitable place, keep asking for written decisions and review routes.
Local SENDIASS, parent carer forums, Local Offer pages and SEND services vary by area. Set your location on SENDadvisor to bring local contacts into view alongside this national guidance.
Back to resourcesLast reviewed: 18 June 2026
