Alternative provision is education provided for students who can’t attend regular school due to exclusion, illness, or other reasons. It ensures they still get a proper education.
The most common type is a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU)—a small school with extra support for students who struggle in mainstream schools. About a third of students in alternative provision go to PRUs.
Other types include:
- Therapeutic farms
- Forest schools
- Outdoor learning centres
- Sports facilities
- Hospital schools
- Hands-on courses like car mechanics or hairdressing
Alternative provision should be tailored to the child’s needs, helping them regain confidence and ideally return to mainstream school. It should only be part-time, with students continuing their regular education at their usual school, ensuring they receive a full education like their classmates.