What Alternative Learning Provision is, who it is for, where it is provided in Bristol.
Alternative Learning Provision is for pupils who can't attend mainstream educational settings because of health, emotional or behavioural reasons.
Our Alternative Learning Provision (ALP) Hub arranges alternative provision in Bristol.
The service includes:
- Lansdown Park Academy
- St Matthias Park Academy
- LPW Independent School
- Bristol Futures Academy
- Bristol Hospital Education Service
The ALP Hub commissions alternative provision from a range of alternative providers on our behalf. The ALP Hub also offers support and advice to:
- schools
- other commissioners
- professionals
- parents
- alternative learning providers
All alternative providers provided by us have gone through a stringent process of quality assurance and been included onto a framework agreement of alternative provision.
PAL System Provider Framework
Search online for a provider by name, key stage or online provision using our Alternative Learning Provider Finder
The finder has information about Bristol approved providers.
The current PALS framework ends on 31 August 2023. It is being replaced with the new ALP framework. Providers with an asterisk on the finder are not yet approved onto the new ALP framework.
Some providers on the PALS framework have not yet been successful or have not applied.
Schools are expected to conduct their own quality assurance of all and any places commissioned it is recommended that schools use Local Authority approved providers. This should be considered when commissioning ALP placements from providers on the PALS framework, including a continuation of current placements, as the provider may not have a place on the ALP framework in September 2023.
All full-time placements, including revolving door placements, into alternative provision should be agreed in advance by the Bristol Inclusion Panel (BIP).
The placement will then be arranged via the council's ALP Hub with a provider on the full-time list.
Schools will make their own arrangements for part-time alternative learning provision.
Advice for schools, commissioners and alternative providers
Alternative Provision Quality Assurance and Unregistered Schools
Following consultation with the DfE and Ofsted HMI, we are taking steps to ensure that part-time alternative learning providers in Bristol are operating lawfully. Full-time education should be made in a school. AP shouldn't be used as a sole long-term education offer for children without the alternative provider having independent school status, registered with the DfE. See pdf Advice for Schools, Commissioners and Alternative Providers, September 2022 (120 KB)
Alternative Provision Commissioning and Advice for schools, commissioners and alternative providers
For detailed advice and statutory considerations about commissioning and quality assuring alternative provision see pdf Using AP in Bristol Advice to Schools and Commissioners, September 2019 (387 KB) . This is based on statutory guidance and gives a set of guiding principles that Bristol schools and another commissioning bodies should follow to ensure that children and young people benefit from high quality provision which is safe, secure and appropriate to their individual needs.
For further information contact:
Mark Kennedy
Headteacher, Alternative Learning Provision (ALP Hub), Bristol City Council
Email: mark.kennedy@bristol.gov.uk
Natasha Spence
Education Inclusion Manager, ALP Hub, Bristol City Council
Email: natasha.spence@bristol.gov.uk Go to mailto:natasha.spence@bristol.gov.uk (opens new window)