Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Alternative Provision (AP)?
Alternative Provision (AP) is education arranged for children and young people who for a variety of reasons need additional support to create their broad and balanced curriculum. It provides personalised education, support and opportunities to help children remain engaged in learning and achieve positive outcomes.
Alternative Provision may include:
- Specialist education centres
- Vocational training providers
- Therapeutic programmes
- Outdoor learning
- One-to-one tuition
- Practical and employability courses
2. What is Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP)?
Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP) is Coventry City Council’s coordinated service for monitoring and quality assuring alternative provision across the city.
CAP works with schools, training providers, students and parents to ensure children receive safe, suitable, high-quality education that meets their individual needs.
3. Why has my child been referred to Alternative Provision?
There are many reasons why a child may access Alternative Provision, including:
- Medical needs
- Mental health or emotional wellbeing
- Risk of exclusion
- Following a permanent exclusion
- Anxiety or school avoidance
- Behaviour that requires additional support
- Reintegration support
- Special Educational Needs (SEND)
- Access to vocational learning
Every placement is considered individually.
4. Does attending Alternative Provision mean my child has been excluded?
No.
Many children attend Alternative Provision without being excluded from school.
Alternative Provision is often used to:
- prevent exclusions
- support successful reintegration
- provide specialist interventions
- meet individual needs.
5. Who decides if my child needs Alternative Provision?
Usually your child’s school will discuss concerns with you before making a referral.
Depending on circumstances, decisions may involve:
- Parents/carers
- School staff
- Coventry Alternative Provision
- SEND professionals
- Educational Psychologists
- Social Care (where appropriate)
- Other professionals working with your child
Parents should always be kept informed throughout the process.
6. Will my child stay on their school roll?
Usually, yes.
For most placements your child remains on roll at their school.
The school continues to have overall responsibility for your child’s education, attendance and safeguarding.
7. Will my child still study English and Maths?
Yes.
All pupils should continue to receive an appropriate education.
Alongside English and Maths, many providers also offer:
- Science
- Functional Skills
- Vocational qualifications
- Personal Development
- Life Skills
- Employability
- Outdoor learning
- Construction
- Hair and Beauty
- Motor Vehicle
- Animal Care
- Hospitality
- Creative Arts
Courses vary depending upon the provider.
8. How long will my child attend Alternative Provision?
Every placement is different.
Some placements last:
- a few weeks
- one term
- several months
- longer where appropriate.
Placements are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain suitable.
9. Will my child return to mainstream school?
Many children successfully return to school after Alternative Provision.
Others may continue in specialist education where this is the most appropriate pathway.
Plans are regularly reviewed with parents, schools and professionals.
10. How is my child’s progress monitored?
Providers regularly report on:
- Attendance
- Behaviour
- Progress in learning
- Engagement
- Personal development
- Wellbeing
- Achievement
Schools and CAP review this information regularly.
11. Is Alternative Provision safe?
Yes.
All providers commissioned through Coventry Alternative Provision are expected to meet rigorous safeguarding and quality assurance expectations.
Regular monitoring includes:
- Safeguarding
- Health and Safety
- Staff recruitment checks
- Attendance
- Curriculum
- Student Voice
- Parent Feedback
- Quality of teaching
- Risk assessments
12. What happens if I have concerns about my child’s placement?
Speak to:
- The Alternative Provision provider.
- Your child’s school.
- Coventry Alternative Provision team.
We want parents to raise concerns early so we can work together to resolve them.
13. Can I visit the provider?
Yes.
Parents are encouraged to visit where possible before a placement begins.
This allows you to:
- Meet staff
- View facilities
- Ask questions
- Understand the daily routine
14. Will transport be provided?
Your school or Coventry City Council will discuss transport arrangements with you if appropriate.
15. Will my child receive support for their SEND needs?
Yes.
Where a child has identified SEND or an EHCP, providers should make reasonable adjustments and deliver support in line with agreed plans.
16. How often will I receive updates?
Parents should receive regular communication regarding:
- Attendance
- Progress
- Reviews
- Targets
- Successes
- Next steps
Review meetings are held throughout the placement.
17. What qualifications can my child achieve?
Many providers offer recognised qualifications including:
- GCSEs
- Functional Skills
- ASDAN
- BTEC
- Entry Level Qualifications
- Vocational Awards
Qualifications depend upon the provider and the young person’s individual programme.
18. What if my child refuses to attend?
Please contact your child’s school immediately.
Together we can identify any barriers and put support in place to encourage engagement.
Good communication between home, school and the provider is key.
19. How can I support my child?
You can help by:
- Encouraging good attendance.
- Talking positively about learning.
- Maintaining routines.
- Celebrating achievements.
- Attending review meetings.
- Keeping in regular contact with staff.
Parents play a vital role in every child’s success.
20. Who can I contact if I need further information?
Please contact:
Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP): cap@coventry.gov.uk.
Your child’s school can also answer questions and explain how your child’s placement has been arranged.
We are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure every child has access to a safe, high-quality education that helps them achieve their full potential.
Key Messages
- Alternative Provision is personalised education
- many children attend Alternative Provision successfully
- parents are partners throughout the process
- schools remain responsible for pupils on roll
- placements are regularly reviewed
- Coventry Alternative Provision quality assures commissioned providers to promote safe, effective and inclusive education
Working together to create pathways with purpose for every young person.