Flexible education pathways to meet the needs of all learners

In Croydon, we recognise that not every child or young person learns best in a traditional classroom setting all of the time. Alternative Provision (AP) and early intervention support offer flexible options to help children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), stay engaged in learning, improve their wellbeing, and achieve their goals.

Alternative Provision is part of our wider commitment to early intervention, inclusion, and the right support at the right time.

Alternative Provision provides education for children and young people who:

• Are struggling to manage full-time in mainstream school.
• May be at risk of permanent exclusion.
• Have been excluded.
• Have medical, social, emotional, or mental health needs that affect their ability to attend school full-time.
• Need a different or smaller learning environment for a period of time.

Alternative Provision can be short-term or longer-term, depending on the needs of the young person. 

Alternative Provision is for:

• Children and young people of compulsory school age (5 to 16 years).
• Those who have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), including those with or without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
• Those needing a more flexible, specialist environment to meet their learning, emotional or health needs. 

In Croydon, Alternative Provision includes:

• Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), such as Saffron Valley Collegiate, for young people who have been excluded or are unable to attend mainstream school.
• Specialist short-term intervention programmes focusing on behaviour, emotional wellbeing or therapeutic support.
• Part-time placements combined with support in mainstream schools.
• Home education packages where appropriate, in agreement with the local authority.
• Partnerships with local colleges, training providers, and community projects to support engagement in learning. 

Croydon uses a three-tier model to offer a range of support, depending on the level of need.

Tier 1: Early Intervention Support:

In-school interventions to support young people at risk of disengagement or exclusion.

Examples include behaviour mentoring, therapeutic support and adjusted timetables or smaller group work.

Aim: Keep pupils engaged in their mainstream school wherever possible.

Tier 2: Short-Term Alternative Provision Placements:

Targeted placements at Alternative Provision centres such as Saffron Valley Collegiate.

Time-limited placements with a focus on therapeutic support, re-engagement, and reintegration back to mainstream where appropriate.

Placements are personalised and support academic progress as well as emotional wellbeing.

Tier 3: Longer-Term Specialist Provision:

For young people who need ongoing alternative education.

This may include placements at specialist centres like Saffron Valley Collegiate or partnership programmes with colleges and training providers.

Aim: Support young people to achieve qualifications, move on to further education, training, or employment, and develop life skills. 

Saffron Valley Collegiate is Croydon’s main Alternative Provision provider, offering education for pupils aged 5 to 16 who are:

• Permanently excluded
  
• At risk of exclusion
  
• Struggling with their emotional health or behaviour
  

Saffron Valley Collegiate follows the same three-tier approach, focusing on:

• Early intervention
  
• Short-term support to return to mainstream
  
• Long-term pathways for young people needing a different route to success
  

They offer:

• Personalised learning programmes
  
• Small class sizes
  
• Therapeutic input and emotional wellbeing support
  
• Careers advice and post-16 transition support
  

Please click here for more information.

Young people can access Alternative Provision through:

• A school referral following the school's own graduated response.
• A referral to the Fair Access Panel (managed by the Local Authority).
• Support through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if appropriate.
• A managed move or early intervention support agreement between schools.

Referrals are usually made with full involvement of the young person and their family. 

Arranging Alternative Provision: A Guide for Local Authorities and Schools

Directory of Approved Alternative Provision (AP) 2024