Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP): a graduated model of support 2025 to 2026

The Government 'Green Paper' titled 'The SEND Review' outlined their vision for creating a system that empowers children and young individuals to thrive. This involves providing them with the right support at the right time in the right place to help them reach their full potential and lead fulfilling adult lives. The paper's main aim is to establish a consistent national standard for both Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and alternative educational options.

The Government recognises that AP is an important aspect of our reforms and will be used as an intervention, not a destination. High-quality alternative provision, including for social, emotional and mental health needs, will create additional capacity for mainstream school leaders and staff to address challenging behaviour earlier and re-engage pupils in education.

Interventions will be based on a three-tier model with a focus on targeted support whilst children are in mainstream school, to deal with needs early and reduce preventable exclusion. Time-limited or transitional placements into an alternative provision setting will provide more intensive intervention or longer-term support where it is needed, before these young people return to a new mainstream setting or progress to a sustainable post-16 destination.