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

Introduction

The Coventry Education Partnership believes that every child deserves an education that enables them to fulfil their potential, whatever their background, individual needs or location within the city.

The partnership recognises that alternative provision can provide support to children at challenging moments in their lives, above and beyond support already made available in their school.

Right support, right place, right time

The concept follows an established model of support & intervention, beginning with a universal support offer which is available to all. Some children and young people, who require a higher level of support, may also need targeted support and a few children and young people will require specialist support:

• specialist (few)
  • specialist support for the few young people who will require a bespoke offer for more severe and complex matters, and require a longer term strategy
• targeted (some)
  • targeted support for some young people who require a higher level of support
• universal (all)
  • universal offer available to all young people within each school and/or setting to provide an offer that meets the needs of all young people built around the core values

 

Government approach to Alternative Provision

The Government 'Green Paper' titled 'The SEND Review [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/send-review-right-support-right-place-right-time]' 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.

Coventry Alternative Provision aim and approach

Education partnership aim

To equip children and young people with the vital skills, qualifications, knowledge and experiences which assist them to flourish through education and in their transition to adulthood.

Education partnership approach

A graduated model to support each young person to remain in Mainstream Education wherever appropriate, through universal, targeted and specialist provisions that are suitable for the assessed need of the individual and which provide the right support in the right place at the right time.

This will be achieved through:

• universal support as part of a broad and balanced curriculum
• targeted support programmes
• time-limited support placements in an alternative provision setting
• transitional support return to mainstream or suitable Post-16 destination

The model is underpinned and supported by a bespoke training pathway on behaviour and SEMH as part of the Coventry SEND workforce strategy.

Graduated model of support

The graduated mode of support covers:

• Tier 1: universal support
• Tier 2: targeted support
• Tier 3: time-limited support
• Tier 4: transitional support

However, for the purposes of this operational guidance only tiers 1 to 3 will be covered.

The model assists schools to provide a diverse alternative provision offer as part of a broad and balanced curriculum supporting children and young people to flourish through:

• character, education and personal development
• bespoke core curriculum and functional skill qualifications
• vocational based qualifications and awards

At Key Stage (KS) 3 the focus is on aspiration, prevention, intervention, allowing continued access to mainstream. At KS4 the focus is on aspiration, next steps, and transition to Post-16 destinations.

Multi-agency child-centred approach

Multi-agency input is a vital component in supporting students accessing Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP). It involves coordinated efforts from education providers, social care, health services and other relevant agencies to ensure that each student receives tailored support that addresses their academic, emotional and social needs.

This collaborative approach helps identify barriers to learning early, facilitates appropriate interventions and promotes positive outcomes by ensuring that no aspect of a student's wellbeing is overlooked. Regular communication and shared planning between agencies underpin the success of alternative provision placements, fostering a holistic and inclusive environment for vulnerable learners.

This collaborative approach involves, but is not limited to, a wide range of services, such as:

• CAP Pastoral Officer
• CAP Personalised Learning and Outreach Officers
• CAP External Training Providers
• Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and/or Educational psychologist
• Coventry Virtual School
• External Provider mentoring with Coventry Youth Justice Service
• External Training Providers
• specialist SEMHL team key workers
• early help
• Coventry Academy
• violence reduction
• behaviour, reintegration and attendance
• prevention and diversion with Coventry Youth Justice
• police

 

CAP model: September 2025 to August 2026

The Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP) model of support is a structured, student-centred framework designed to ensure that young people who are unable to thrive in mainstream education still receive high-quality, tailored learning experiences.

It operates on a graduated model, offering escalating levels of support based on individual needs - ranging from behavioural and emotional support to vocational training and therapeutic interventions. The model emphasises collaboration between schools, families and approved providers, ensuring that placements are purposeful, monitored, and focused on reintegration or progression. With clear entry and exit pathways, CAP aims to provide stability, safeguard wellbeing and prepare students for successful futures in education, employment, or training.

 

Coventry Education Partnership: CAP service level agreements 2025 to 2026

The CAP Service Level Agreement (SLA) 2025 to 2026 provides access to:

• 1 year’s subscription to ‘When The Adults Change Behaviour Programme’ (new for 2025 to 2026)
• collaborative leadership support (new for 2025 to 2026)
• all CAP tiers through a single SLA (Tiers 1, 2, 3)
• CAP quality assurance & compliance framework
• CAP Monitoring Officers to support schools with CAP Students and their placements
• monitoring systems for attendance, progress, safeguarding and behaviour
• support with remaining compliant when accessing Alternative Provision and preparation for Ofsted
• the CAP multi-agency panel for quality assurance of the CAP graduated model and oversight of referrals to Tiers 2 and 3
• the Education Engagement Team for advice and guidance (new for 2025 to 2026)
• a SEMHL practitioner in school half a day per week
• network and training events for Behaviour Leads, Pastoral Leads, SENDCos and CAP Coordinators

Collaborative Leadership Support (new for 2025 to 2026) includes exclusive access to:

• specialist multi-agency support from the local authority to identify support pathways for students
• opportunities to meet confidentially on a one-to-one basis with a successful and highly skilled educational leader who understands the context and challenges in Coventry. This aims to support headteachers to develop and crystallise their decision-making approaches when dealing with complex behaviour management issues

Behaviour and Belonging Training Pathway (new for 2025 to 2026):

• exclusive access to 'When the Adults Change Behaviour Programme' which includes a training day for Behaviour Leads, Pastoral Lead. SENCO and CAP Coordinators - June 2025
• personalised meeting and review with school leaders
• a highly practical bespoke implementation plan
• a tailored training plan based on bite-sized chunks of CPD
• direct contact with members of the WTAC team throughout the programme
• the ability to measure culture and gauge practice
• opportunities to review and revisit each step
• full data reporting and progress reviews
• access to WTAC Behaviour Change Course
• access to WTAC Behaviour for Leaders Course
• access to WTAC Parent Coach Course
• invitations to attend virtual INSETs and virtual training with Paul and the WTAC team
• access to a video library that allows you to engage in training at any time
• a full year's support

Tier 1: Universal support (applications can be made at any time)

Open access to:

• work-based learning, curriculum and employability courses, qualifications and awards
• 15 paid-for QA placements at Tier 1 and unlimited at Tier 2 as part of the SLA (course fees still apply)
• course and/or placement co-ordination and monitoring via dedicated personalised learning and outreach officers
• monitoring systems for attendance, progress, safeguarding and behaviour

Tier 2: Targeted support

Priority access to:

• Insight and Flourish placements, i.e. priority over schools who do have the SLA (course fees still apply)
• course and/or placement co-ordination and monitoring via dedicated personalised learning and outreach officers
• monitoring systems for attendance, progress, safeguarding and behaviour
• funded external mentors via the Youth Justice Service (YJS) (if appropriate)

Tier 3: Time-limited support

Exclusive access to:

• the Supported Transfer Process and the Supported Transfer Panel
• outreach support from a SEMHL Practitioner for pupils participating in supported transfers during the period of the placement
• Refocus Placements at the Coventry AP Academy (75 placements over the year, 25 places available per term)
• outreach support and training from Coventry AP Academy
• funded external mentors via the Youth Justice Service (YJS) (if appropriate)
• an Early Help Supporting Families Worker (if appropriate)
• additional advice and guidance from the Education Engagement Team
• monitoring systems for attendance, progress, safeguarding and behaviour

Tier 1: universal support

Students will remain on roll at their home school whilst accessing Tier 1 universal support

Schools can benefit from a diverse range of over 120 courses available through the Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP) Directory as part of our universal support offer. CAP collaborates with more than 60 procured Training Providers, delivering an array of courses across three key categories:

• work-based learning
• curriculum support
• employability and personal development

The universal support offer provides schools with access to programmes designed to assist young people through various practical, supportive, and character-building initiatives. These programmes are carefully crafted to align with a broad and balanced curriculum, aiming to facilitate the attainment of qualifications, accreditations and awards.

Tier 1: universal support pathways

• work-based learning
  • work-based learning 6 week vocational taster sessions
  • vocational band 1 and 2
• curriculum support
  • Functional Skills and GCSE
• employability and personal development
  • work skills, ASDAN and work experience
  • a series of accredited courses

Referral considerations

School considerations when making an application on behalf of a student:

• does the student need a bespoke curriculum to meet their learning needs?
• does the curriculum offer meet the student's interests, passions and aspirations?
• how will the course and/or vocational qualification enhance the student's emotional journey?
• would an application to Tier 1 provide the right support at the right time in the right place?

CAP single application form

The duration of these courses may range from half a term to a full academic year, with provisions for progression into a second year as necessary. CAP accepts applications for these programmes year-round, without any restrictions on submission timing.

Schools are encouraged to finalise a Commissioning Agreement as part of the application process to evidence why the programme is considered the most suitable for the student.

Referral pathway

The following steps show the referral pathway:

1. CAP multi-agency application form completed via the CAP website
2. Application pack received by CAP team and reviewed
3. Application pack sent to the requested Training Provider via Datalocker
4. School to contact Training Provider upon submission to arrange the interview
5. Interview held and Training Provider submit an application response, which is received by CAP
6. Application response processed and sent to school to confirm start date
7. CAP process on systems and set up Training Record

Tier 2: targeted support - Insight

Students will remain on roll at their home school whilst accessing Tier 2: Targeted Support.

Tier 2: targeted support pathways

Well-being assessment pathway stages:

1. Well-being assessment
2. 6 to 12 week intervention Insight programmes
3. Well-being assessment
4. Exit routes and application pathway

Panel process pathway stages:

1. Panel process
2. Termly intervention Flourish programmes
3. Regular review meetings
4. Blended offer: Training Providers with support from other internal services (SNED/SEMH)
5. Flourish pathway review
6. Exit routes and application pathway

All panel outcomes will be communicated with the referring school via email within 3 working days.

Referral pathway

The following steps show the referral pathway:

1. CAP multi-agency application form completed via the CAP website
2. Application pack received by CAP team and reviewed
3. Application pack sent to the requested Training Provider via Datalocker
4. School to contact Training Provider upon submission to arrange the interview
5. Interview held and Training Provider submit an application response, which is received by CAP
6. Application response processed and sent to school to confirm start date
7. CAP process on systems and set up Training Record

Insight

Specialist 6 to 12 week social development courses, 1 day per week, designed to address specific areas of concern impacting student development. The providers offer high-quality courses aimed at raising awareness for young people around specific topics e.g. organised crime, substance misuse etc.

All Insight programmes must be applied for via the single CAP Application Form .

Referral considerations

School considerations when making an application on behalf of a student:

• what behaviours or actions is the young person demonstrating which lead you to be concerned?
• started an Early Help offer to family? Gained consent from parents and recorded on EHM?
• school has a designated case-worker (significant adult) assigned to the student?
• school commitment to support young person with exit routes following the referral?
• if other key agencies have previously been involved, have the recommended strategies been implemented and what are the impact and/or outcomes of these?
• how does provision meet the EHCP requirements (if appropriate)?

Tier 2: targeted support - Flourish

Students will remain on roll at their home school whilst accessing Tier 2: Targeted Support.

Tier 2: targeted support pathways

Well-being assessment pathway stages:

1. Well-being assessment
2. 6 to 12 week intervention Insight programmes
3. Well-being assessment
4. Exit routes and application pathway

Panel process pathway stages:

1. Panel process
2. Termly intervention Flourish programmes
3. Regular review meetings
4. Blended offer: Training Providers with support from other internal services (SNED/SEMH)
5. Flourish pathway review
6. Exit routes and application pathway

All panel outcomes will be communicated with the referring school via email within 3 working days.

Referral pathway

The following steps show the referral pathway:

1. Multi-agency application form completed via the CAP website - Insight processed the same as Tier 1
2. CAP review and Authorisation Panel
3. Panel outcome document shared with referring school
4. If approved the student interview can be scheduled by Training Provider. If not approved, CAP support school by exploring alternatives
5. Application response processed and sent to school to confirm start date

Flourish

Termly intervention programmes, 2 days per week, designed to support young people with their social, emotional, and mental health needs through the use of therapeutic approaches. Assessments and final reports are completed as part of the programme, which assist schools in creating or updating a ‘My Support Plan’ and implementation of recommendations and interventions. Schools are required to provide a caseworker and attend regular review meetings.

All Flourish programmes must be applied for via the single CAP Application Form which will go to the CAP Review and Authorisation Panel for approval.

Referral considerations

Questions the CAP Review & Authorisation Panel will consider:

• school has a designated case-worker (significant adult) assigned to the student?
• school commitment to attend review meetings?
• school reviewed and adapted the student curriculum / timetable? (Tier 1 ?)
• if other key agencies have previously been involved, have the recommended strategies been implemented and what are the impact and/or outcomes of these ?
• how will the school create capacity to implement any suggested strategies from the programme?
• how does provision meet the EHCP requirements (if appropriate)?
• started an Early Help offer to family?
• gained consent from parents and recorded on EHM?

 

Tier 3: time-limited - support transfer

Students will remain on roll as main at their home school and subsidiary with the receiving school.

Termly supported transfer

Time-limited placement Tier 3 pathway 1:

1. CAP Review and Authorisation Panel
2. Headteacher Panel
3. 12 week supported transfer
4. Review
5. Returns to home school or managed move

Time-limited placement Tier 3 pathway 2:

1. CAP multi-agency Panel
2. CAPA 'Refocus Programme' (behaviour) 10 weeks
3. Assessment and plan
4. Returns to home school full time

All panel outcomes will be communicated with the referring school via email within 3 working days.

Referral pathway

The following steps show the referral pathway:

1. Multi-agency application form completed via CAP website
2. CAP Review and Authorisation Panel for quality assurance approval
3. School informed of the outcome of the Review and Authorisation panel
4. Discussed at Headteachers Supported Transfer Panels

Supported transfer

Supported transfers provide time-limited support to students who participate in a termly placement at another designated school within the city. This support aims to equip them with the necessary skills to successfully transfer permanently to a new school or successfully return to their home school.

During this supported transfer period the student will need to remain on roll registered as main with their home school and subsidiary with the receiving school (that is facilitating the supported transfer).

All supported transfers must be applied for via the single CAP Application Form which will go to the CAP Review and Authorisation Panel for quality assurance and multi-agency input, prior to authorisation from the Headteachers Supported Transfer Panel.

Referral considerations

Questions the CAP multi-agency panel will consider:

• is the application linked to a one-off incident?
• is the application being made for persistent disruptive behaviour?
• will the student be able to meet the same expectations in a different school? Rationale?
• will the student genuinely benefit from a fresh start?
• started an Early Help offer to family? Gained consent from parents and recorded on EHM?
• gained parental consent for the application to the CAP Multi-Agency Panel?

Tier 3: time-limited support - Refocus

Students will remain on roll as main at their home school and subsidiary with Coventry AP Academy.

10 week Refocus placement

Time-limited placement Tier 3 pathway 1:

1. CAP Review and Authorisation Panel
2. Headteacher Panel
3. 12 week supported transfer
4. Review
5. Returns to home school or managed move

Time-limited placement Tier 3 pathway 2:

1. CAP multi-agency Panel
2. CAPA 'Refocus Programme' (behaviour) 10 weeks
3. Assessment and plan
4. Returns to home school full time

All panel outcomes will be communicated with the referring school via email within 3 working days.

Referral pathway

The following steps show the referral pathway:

1. Multi-agency application form completed via CAP website
2. CAP Review and Authorisation Panel for quality assurance approval
3. Panel outcome prepared for multi-agency panel
4. Outcome shared with referring school
5. Coventry Alternative Provision Academy (CAPA) initiate onboarding

Refocus

A 10-week time-limited placement delivered by CAPA, initially identifying students’ needs through a rigorous 360 degree assessment. Individual bespoke plans are devised to address barriers that are preventing students from accessing or engaging with their education. All students will have SEMH Intervention during this placement.

The placement combines core curriculum and vocational subjects with SEMH targeted interventions to equip students for a successful return to school upon completion.

Students will need to remain on roll registered as main with their home school and subsidiary with CAPA.

CAP single application form .

Referral considerations

Questions the CAP multi-agency panel will consider:

• has the school reviewed and adapted the student's curriculum and/or timetable? (Tier 1?, Tier2?)
• other strategies and interventions implemented by school and the impact and/or outcomes of these?
• involvement of other professionals and the impact and/outcomes of these?
• exploration an identification of contributing factors to the student's needs?
• student voice and perception of their own strengths and what they would like support with?
• partnership work with parents and the impact and/or outcomes of this work?
• engaged with EHAC, completed an Early Help Assessment and Plan, recorded on EHM?
• gained parental consent for the application to the CAP Multi-Agency Panel?

Refocus placement overview

Students will remain on roll as main at their home school and subsidiary with Coventry Alternative Provision Academy (CAPA).

Placement overview

Weeks 1 to 2:

• assessment phase
  • induction and 360 degree assessment
  • needs identified and interventions planned
  • curriculum access

Weeks 3 to 7:

• intervention phase
  • curriculum access
  • interventions to address barriers

Weeks 8 to 10:

• back to school phase
  • continued curriculum and intervention access
  • school readiness focus with SEMH coach
  • graduated exposure to home school to reintegrate back

During the initial 7 weeks, the student will attend CAPA for 4 days weekly, with attendance at their home school scheduled for Mondays. Transitioning back to their home school occurs during the final 3 weeks, known as the 'back to school phase'.

Upon returning full time to their home school, the anticipated course of action involves the implementation of the designated plan and strategies by the school. Training will be provided for a designated member of the school staff to offer support to the student upon their return to the home school setting.

New for autumn term 2025 to 2026: Focus 11

Students will remain on roll as main at their home school and subsidiary with Coventry Alternative Provision Academy (CAPA).

The Focus 11 programme is a targeted, short-term intervention designed to support Year 11 pupils in re-engaging with their education during the final stages of secondary school. Over a 10-week period, students receive personalised learning plans tailored to their individual needs, with a strong emphasis on academic progress, personal development and future employability.

The curriculum includes core subjects, vocational options and life skills, all delivered in a supportive environment that encourages confidence and readiness for post-16 transition. The programme also facilitates a graduated return to the pupil’s home school, ensuring continuity and long-term success.

Curriculum Intent

• to assess the learning needs of the individual pupil and form a learning plan to enable them to re-engage with the final 2 terms of their secondary education
• start to address learning needs and equip with strategies so that pupils can effectively access education in their home school
• to develop employability skills and a career plan for each pupil, in order to ensure that their future transition to post-16 is effective and relevant for the individual
• to reengage pupils with their learning by providing high-quality curriculum delivery, an engaging curriculum and personal development opportunities
• to support the pupil in transitioning back into their home school through a graduated transition and school visits by CAPA staff

Pupil needs

• for year 11 students who require a short-term intervention in order to maximise their final year of secondary education.

Pupil outcomes

• ASDAN entry level 3 or Level 1 Employability and Progression award
• Entry level 3 in Construction or Hair and Beauty
• Functional skills qualifications entry level 3 to Level 2
• English, Maths, Science and to GCSE level
• National curriculum Physical Education, PSHE and/or RE
• access to Peripatetic Music
• Catering life skills enhancement

Local progression routes

• Coventry Secondary Partnership schools
• Level 2 Post-16
• Coventry Alternative Provision Framework at Tier 1
• CAPA Lite programme Tier 1

Select Tier 3 - Focus 11 on the CAP multi-agency application form .

Year 11 bespoke Post-16 pathways

Students will remain on roll as main at their home school.

Year 11 Post-16 pathway programmes (specific Key Stage 4 programme)

Coventry Alternative Provision is pleased to introduce our Year 11 Post-16 pathways programmes, delivered in partnership with a range of specialist training providers. These programmes are specifically designed to support Year 11 students who are at risk of permanent exclusion or becoming Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). The aim is to re-engage students in learning, promote emotional well-being and guide them towards a positive Post-16 destination.

Programme offer (up to 2 days per week):

• behavioural interventions
• mentoring
• personalised support
• vocational opportunities
• academic assistance
• careers advice and guidance for Post-16 pathways
• emotional and social support

Approved training providers:

• Work 'N' Learn (Work Experience)
• Lumen Academy
• MW Impact
• Intuitive Thinking Skills
• Outdoor Education Service
• Pet-Xi

Referral pathway

The following steps show the referral pathway:

1. CAP multi-agency application form completed via the CAP website
2. Application pack received by CAP team and reviewed
3. Application pack sent to the requested Training Provider via Datalocker
4. School to contact Training Provider upon submission to arrange the interview
5. Interview held and Training Provider submit an application response, which is received by CAP
6. Application response processed and sent to school to confirm start date
7. CAP process on systems and set up Training Record

Referral considerations

When considering a referral, schools should reflect on the following:

• does the student require a bespoke curriculum to meet their individual learning needs?
• does the proposed curriculum align with the student's interests, passions and aspirations?
• how will the course or vocational qualification enhance the student's educational journey, particularly in relation to Post-16 pathways
• will the year 11 programme provide the right support, at the right time and in the right setting?

Programmes may run from half a term to a full academic year. Applications are accepted year-round, with no restrictions on submission timing. Schools are encouraged to complete a Commissioning Agreement to evidence the suitability of the programme for the student.

Year 11 Post-16 pathway support (student attending a Tier 1 Provider)

Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP) and its training providers offer vital support to Year 11 students in alternative education, helping them stay on track academically and build belief in their future. The goal: prevent young people from becoming Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) and guide them into meaningful Post-16 destinations.

Students benefit from tailored academic support in English, Maths, and functional skills, alongside vocational pathways like construction, hospitality, hair and beauty, and motor vehicle maintenance. Learning takes place in small, nurturing environments that rebuild confidence and motivation.

Beyond academics, CAP offers strong career guidance—one-to-one interviews, college and apprenticeship application support, CV workshops, and work experience placements that spark ambition and develop employability.

Emotional well-being is central. Students are paired with mentors for regular check-ins and can access therapeutic services when needed. Families are actively involved, ensuring a united support system.

As students prepare for Post-16 transitions, CAP arranges college visits, introductions, and smooth handovers—ensuring every young person feels ready and empowered. CAP students leave with qualifications, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Early help

Early Help is a partnership of organisations that provide help, advice and support to children, young people and families.

The aim of Early Help is to help you as soon as possible and prevent problems from getting worse by providing you support, as early as possible. Early Help services can help families, children and young people - pre-birth to 19 years old and 25 years old where there are special educational needs or disabilities.

Requirements at each Tier

Tier 1 – universal offer

School should be raising awareness of and promoting the universal Early Help offer. Using the Coventry Families App [https://www.coventryfamilies.co.uk/] and sharing the family hub offer with parents.

Tier 2 – targeted support

Schools should be gaining consent from the identified families and recording on EHM, making an early help offer to the families and, where suitable, include the completion of an early help assessment and plan – this is likely to be partnership led.

Tier 3 – time-limited placement

Schools proactively gaining consent from families as part of the Tier 3 process and the early help offer is integral to those families not already on a plan with Children’s Services – this could be Supporting Families Team or Partnership led.

Tier 4 – transitional placement

The needs of the families and the young person at Tier 4 is likely to be indicative of the necessity for a plan; families not supported through a CP plan or a CIN plan will need a proactive Early Help offer with an assessment and plan. The Early Help offer at this stage is likely, but not exclusively, to be Supporting Families Team led.

Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP) process

For more information on courses, programmes and placements within each Tier, please visit: 

Tier 1 Work Based Learning, Curriculum, Employability [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/work-related-learning/coventry-alternative-provision-graduated-model-support-2025-2026/9]

Tier 2 Insight [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/work-related-learning/coventry-alternative-provision-graduated-model-support-2025-2026/10]

Tier 2 Flourish [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/work-related-learning/coventry-alternative-provision-graduated-model-support-2025-2026/11]

Tier 3 Supported Transfer [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/work-related-learning/coventry-alternative-provision-graduated-model-support-2025-2026/12]

Tier 3 Refocus [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/work-related-learning/coventry-alternative-provision-graduated-model-support-2025-2026/13]

The CAP Single Application Form will request the relevant information based on the relevant Tier and answers provided. Access to the application can also be accessed from the CAP website, within the school section.

We recommend all schools ensure they are registered when on the Council website as this will allow for any application forms to be saved throughout, to avoid any loss of data input due to time out (data protection measure).

Introducing the CAP panels

There are 2 Coventry Alternative Provision panels. Their purpose and members are as listed:

CAP Review and Authorisation Panel purpose:

• review and approve all Tier 2 Flourish applications
• review all Tier 3 applications and supporting documentation
• provide professional insight, data and information on current/previous support and interventions to the CAP Multi-Agency Panel

CAP Review and Authorisation Panel members:

• LA Officer Chair
• LA Officer Vice Chair
• Tier 2 External Training providers
• Coventry Alternative Provision
• Attendance
• Specialist SEMHL
• Early Help
• Youth Justice Service
• Behaviour and Reintegration
• SEND & Ed Psych
• Schools Violence Reduction
• Virtual School

CAP Multi-Agency Panel purpose:

• oversight and evaluation of the Graduated Model of Support
• approval of all Tier 3 Refocus placements

CAP Multi-Agency Panel members:

• Independent Chair
• Vice Chair
• Secondary Headteachers x 2 (rotation)
• Headteacher of Coventry AP Academy
• Coventry Alternative Provision
• Attendance
• Specialist SEMHL
• Early Help
• Youth Justice Service
• Behaviour and Reintegration
• SEND & Ed Psych
• Schools Violence Reduction
• Virtual School

Tiers 2 and 3 application and approval flowchart

Checklist for applications

• fully completed and detailed application form
• up to date risk assessment
• EHCP and supporting documentation
• Early Help Outcome
• agreement from budget holder for Tier 1 and/or 2
• Headteachers Statement for Tier 3

CAP service support: Tiers 1 and 2

Overview

• strategic and daily support from a highly experienced alternative provision team
• access to all systems and software
• coordinating student placements  
• school access to CAP network for termly updates and information sharing
• training and CPD opportunities for staff 
• benefit from One Coventry Partnership Approach

Courses and programmes

• approved training providers and courses
• advising schools on suitable provisions that can meet student's needs 
• work-based learning vocational qualifications
• curriculum support and exam preparation
• employability and soft-skill qualifications & awards
• Character and Personal Development Interventions (Insight and Flourish) 
• coordination of placement meetings
• information, advice, and guidance on post-16 placements

Student monitoring and reporting

• students assigned a CAP Personalised Learning Monitoring Outreach officer
• data management system for monitoring attendance, attainment and behaviour
• coordination of attendance, attainment, and behaviour meetings
• termly student reports
• termly school review meeting
• support with student risk assessments
• evidence based assessment tools for social, emotional and mental development

Ofsted and quality assurance

• support with school Ofsted inspections and Training Provider preparation
• Training Providers quality assured in line with Ofsted, KCSIE, ESFA, GEMS and GDPR
• access to CAP policies, procedures and documentation
• secure file transferring system in line with GDPR
• regular Training Provider site visits
• termly Training Provider compliance review
• advice and guidance on Alternative Provision (AP) best practice
• monitoring hours of AP access to ensure compliance

Safeguarding

• CPOMS software system for monitoring and reporting
• training on collaborative partnership safeguarding
• coordination of Safeguarding reviews
• multi-agency referral and review approach
• coordinating network meetings

CAP quality assurance: Tiers 1 and 2

Training Providers are commissioned and procured by Coventry City Council. This guarantees that all provisions adhere to a stringent quality assurance framework. The key components included within the framework and monitored by the CAP Team are:

• procurement and company details
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and/or safeguarding
• policies
• transport
• teaching and learning
• systems and monitoring
• GDPR
• Health and Safety
• Ofsted and quality assurance
• GEMS

CAP student experience

Coventry Alternative Provision's (CAP) mission is to guarantee that every student enrolled in our programmes is assigned a dedicated Monitoring Officer, receiving a tailored educational experience.

The areas of focus are:

• progress
  • parents and/or carers evening events
  • home visits
  • one-to-one sessions
  • termly progress reports
  • student review meetings
• personal development
  • Individual Support Plans
  • Attendance Plans
  • Behaviour Plans
  • access to qualified Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)
  • assessments
• support
  • student voice
  • course selection
  • CLA student engagement
  • reintegration to school
  • attendance, behaviour and progress monitoring
  • settling in feedback for 'My Support Plan'
  • Training Provider interview
• opportunity
  • award days
  • educational visits
  • community experience projects
  • events
• enrichment
  • gain additional qualifications
  • sustainable living
  • new experiences
  • information, advice and guidance sessions
  • Post-16 destination support
  • student council

 

Placement monitoring and reporting

Collaborative learning Manager (CLM)

• attendance, progress and behaviour

Data Locker

• transfer of sensitive and secure files

CPOMS

• safeguarding and reporting

Referral deadlines and panel dates

Referral deadlines and panel dates

Programme referral items	Referral deadline	Supported Transfer Headteacher Placement meeting	Tier 2 start date (Flourish)	Tier 3 start date (Refocus)
Tier 2 Flourish QA checks and approval (July 2025) Tier 3 Supported Transfer QA checks Tier 3 Refocus QA checks and approval	Wednesday 17 September 2025	Tuesday 30 September 2025	Monday 15 September 2025	NA
Tier 3 - Supported Transfer QA checks	Wednesday 8 October 2025	Tuesday 22 October 2025	NA	Cohort 1 (10 weeks) Monday 6 October to Friday 19 December 2025
Tier 3 - Supported Transfer QA checks	Wednesday 12 November 2025	Tuesday 25 November 2025	NA	NA
Tier 2 - Flourish QA checks and approval Tier 3 - Refocus QA checks and approval Tier 3 - Supported Transfer QA checks	Wednesday 3 December 2025	Tuesday 16 December 2025	NA	NA
Tier 3 - Supported Transfer QA checks	Wednesday 14 January 2025	Tuesday 27 January 2026	Monday 12 January 2026	Cohort 2 (10 weeks) Monday 12 January to Friday 27 March 2026
Tier 3 - Supported Transfer QA checks	Wednesday 4 February 2026	Tuesday 24 February 2026	NA	NA
Tier 2 - Flourish QA Checks and approval Tier 3 - Refocus QA Checks and approval Tier 3 - Supported Transfer QA checks	Wednesday 11 March 2026	Tuesday 24 March 2026	NA	NA
Tier 3 - Supported Transfer QA checks	Wednesday 15 April 2026	Tuesday 28 April 2026	Monday 27 April 2026	Cohort 3 (10 Weeks) Monday 27 April to Friday 10 July 2026
Tier 3 - Supported Transfer QA checks	Wednesday 20 May 2026	Tuesday 9 June 2026	NA	NA
Tier 2 - Flourish QA checks and approval for September start	Wednesday 14 June 2026	NA	NA	NA