The Department for Education's (DfE) alternative provision: statutory guidance for local authorities’ states:
‘While there is no statutory requirement as to when suitable full-time education should begin for pupils placed in alternative provision for reasons other than exclusion, local authorities should ensure that such pupils are placed as quickly as possible.’
To make sure this is achieved, it is important that the local authority (LA), host school and family work together through the processes described below and in the best interests of the child and young person (CYP).
The host school will retain safeguarding and school census responsibilities for all CYP for whom the local authority arranges alternative education provision as the sole or (main) dual registered provision. This includes exam entry responsibilities that fall under the remit of its examinations officer.
Permanent exclusions
Where a school has taken the decision to permanently exclude (PEX) a CYP they should complete the permanent exclusion notification form on the day that the decision is taken to issue the exclusion.
To support the completion of the PEX form, read the DfE suspension and permanent exclusion guidance (PDF, 614KB).
It is critical that the mainstream school provides detailed information about the reason for permanent exclusion, the needs of the child and young person and the support that has already been provided. This will enable a much smoother transition to alternative provision.
Illness or otherwise
Where a CYP is not accessing a full education under the criteria laid out above under the headings ‘illness’ or ‘otherwise’, refer to the Section 19 assessment process.
To start this process, the school must report an attendance or sickness concern.
If a school believes that the legal attendance route might be needed, they should approach their named BFC education welfare officer for a discussion before completing the form.
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