When a Learner Should Be Referred to Alternative Provision
Summary
AP referral is appropriate when in-school interventions have been exhausted and a young person's needs cannot be met in mainstream. Key triggers include persistent exclusions, severe disengagement, significant SEMH needs, or risk of permanent exclusion. Early intervention often achieves better outcomes than waiting for crisis.
Key Referral Triggers
Behavioural Indicators
- • Multiple fixed-term exclusions (typically 3+ in a term)
- • Physical aggression towards staff or pupils
- • Persistent disruption despite intervention
- • At imminent risk of permanent exclusion
Attendance Indicators
- • Persistent absence below 50%
- • School refusal or severe anxiety
- • Emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA)
- • Prolonged absence with failed reintegration attempts
SEMH Indicators
- • Significant mental health needs affecting learning
- • Trauma responses impacting school functioning
- • Self-harm or crisis presentations
- • Diagnosed conditions requiring specialist support
Circumstantial Indicators
- • Child Looked After requiring specialist placement
- • Medical needs preventing mainstream attendance
- • Young offender requiring education during sentence
- • Managed move breakdown requiring fresh start
When AP is NOT the Answer
- In-school interventions haven't been tried or exhausted
- Using AP as punishment to "teach a lesson"
- Needs would be better met by special school placement
- Family/pupil completely opposed with no engagement
- Short-term difficulty that can be resolved in-school
The Timing Question
Early vs Late Referral
Research consistently shows that early intervention achieves better outcomes. Waiting until permanent exclusion often means:
- • More entrenched difficulties to address
- • Damaged relationships harder to repair
- • Greater disengagement from learning
- • Longer period out of education
- • Reduced time to achieve qualifications
Before Referral Checklist
- In-school interventions documented with outcomes
- Multi-agency input sought where appropriate
- Parents/carers informed and involved in decision
- Young person's views heard and considered
- Clear rationale for why AP is appropriate
- Realistic expectations for what AP can achieve
Case Examples
Appropriate Referral
Year 9 pupil with 4 fixed-term exclusions this term for physical aggression. In-school interventions including behaviour support plan, reduced timetable, and CAMHS referral. Parents engaged and requesting alternative. Referred to AP for therapeutic support and behaviour intervention - achieved significant improvement and later reintegrated.
Inappropriate Referral
Year 8 pupil with low-level disruption. No formal interventions tried, no SEND assessment. School wanting "rid" of difficult student. No family engagement. AP declined referral - school advised to implement graduated response first.
Need to Discuss a Potential Referral?
Contact us for an informal conversation about whether AP might be appropriate for a young person.