Welcome pack for Coventry Secondary Partnership

Welcoming the class of 2025/26!

Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP) have produced a starter pack that will support all staff when accessing CAP throughout the forthcoming year.

Please find the Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP) starter pack.

In this welcome pack, you will have access to the following documents:

• Directory 2025-26 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory/133/coventry-alternative-provision-2526]
• Coventry City Council - School Term Dates 2025-26 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/41751/school-term-dates-2025-2026-printable-]
• CAP Calendar 2025-26 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8232/cap-calendar-2025-26]
• CAP contact list for schools 2025-26 – Coventry City Council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8231/cap-contact-list-for-schools-2025-26] (overview)
• Systems Guide 2025-26 - CLM and Datalocker [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/45533/systems-guide-2025-26]
• CAP Code of Conduct (Students) 2025-26 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/40748/code-of-conduct-for-students-2025-26]
• CAP Code of Conduct (Staff) 2025-26 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/40749/code-of-conduct-for-staff-2025-26]
• Parent/Carers Welcome Letter 2025-26 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/40759/parent-carer-welcome-letter-2025-26]
• CAP 2025-26 Quality Statement [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8218/quality-statement-2526]
• School Terms and Conditions 2025-26 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8345/terms-and-conditions---schools-2526]
• View our CAP 25/26 Graduated Model [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/45249/graduated-model-secondary-2526] 

Service Level Agreement and Coventry school access AY2025-26

The CAP SLA 2025-26 provides access to:

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 x 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.

The CAP Secondary Partnership SLA 2025-2026 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8344/the-cap-secondary-partnership-sla-2025-26]

Tier 1 - Universal Offer

Schools can benefit from a diverse range of over 120 courses available through the CAP Directory as part of our Universal Offer. Coventry Alternative Provision collaborates with more than 50 Procured Training Providers, delivering an array of courses across key categories: Vocational Learning, Practical Skill Development, Personal Development, Curriculum Support, and Employability.

The Universal 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 accreditations where possible.

This tier should be viewed as a proactive approach to address the support needs that students may have.

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 students interests, passions and aspirations?
• How will the course / vocational qualification enhance the students educational journey?
• Would an application to Tier 1 provide the right support, at the right time, in the right place?

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. Coventry Alternative Provision 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.

Submit a CAP multi-agency application [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/CAP_referral_form_tiers_1___3]

CAP referral pathway

1. CAP Multi-Agency application form completed via 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.

CAP student risk assessment

Coventry Alternative Provision provide a template Risk Assessment for schools to use if required. Download and print the CAP student risk assessment. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8234/cap-risk-assessment-2526]

If schools continue to use their own risk assessments they must be clear, detailed and relevant with updated information upon the point of referral.

We will not accept any risk assessments that have been completed longer than three months prior to the point of referral.

Tier 2 - Targeted Support

Coventry Alternative Provision has established the Targeted Support Programmes to provide specialised assistance to young people in need of focused support. This tier has been further categorised into two distinct offers; 'Insight' and 'Flourish' 

Insight

Coventry Alternative Provision provides specialised Social Development courses for six - twelve weeks, one day per week, designed to address specific areas of concern impacting student development. The team actively seeks new providers offering high-quality courses that address and raise awareness of prevailing social trends. Schools have the opportunity to apply for these courses based on student need.

Flourish

Coventry Alternative Provision has developed the Flourish Programmes, which utilise therapeutic methods to evaluate students facing learning barriers that impede their educational access and affect their attendance.

These programmes are twelve weeks (two days per week) and require a level of commitment from schools to provide a caseworker and attend regular review meetings. All Flourish programmes must be applied for using the CAP Referral linked below, these will all go to the Panel.

Submit a CAP multi-agency application

Referral considerations

Questions the CAP Review & Authorisation Panel will seek clarity on:

• 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/outcomes of these?
• How will the school create capacity to implement any suggested strategies from the programme?
• (If appropriate) How does provision meet the EHCP requirements?
• Started an Early Help offer to family? Gained consent from parents and recorded on EHM?

(Discussion outcomes will impact on decision making)

Referral pathway

1. Multi Agency Application Form completed via 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.
5. If not Approved CAP Support school by exploring alternatives.
6. Application response processed and sent to School to confirm start date.

Tier 3 - Time-Limited Placement

Coventry Alternative Provision introduces Tier 3, providing time-limited support to our young people. This tier is divided into two categories: Supported Transfer and Refocus.

Submit a CAP multi-agency application

Supported transfer 

The Supported Transfer process for Coventry secondary schools is designed to ensure that pupils who are at risk of permanent exclusion are offered a transfer to a new school. It is not an alternative to permanent exclusion. It is hoped the outcome of a Supported Transfer results in the pupil successfully transferring permanently to a new school OR successfully returning to their home school.

Referral considerations 

• Is the referral linked to a one-off incident?
• Is the referral 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 referral to the CAP Multi-Agency Panel? (Discussion outcomes will impact on decision making)

Referral pathway 

1. Multi-Agency application form completed via CAP website.
2. CAP Review and authorisation panel for Quality Assurance approval.
3. If approved, school allocated at supported transfer Headteacher Panel.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Refocus 

Coventry Academy presents a time-limited intervention programme called Refocus, aimed at assisting students in identifying their needs and overcoming barriers hindering their academic success. This programme combines curriculum access with targeted interventions to equip students for a successful return to school upon its completion.

Referral considerations 

• Has the school reviewed and adapted the students curriculum/timetable? (Tier 1?, Tier 2?)
• Other strategies and interventions implemented by school and the impact/outcomes of these?
• Involvement of other professionals and the impact/outcomes of these?
• Exploration and identification of contributing factors to the student needs?
• Student voice and perception of their own strengths and what they would like support with?
• Partnership work with parents and the impact/outcomes of this work?
• Engaged with EHAC, completed an Early Help Assessment and Plan, recorded on EHM? (Essential)
• Gained parental consent for the referral to the CAP Multi-Agency Panel? (Discussion outcomes will impact on decision making)

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. Discussed at Multi-Agency panel.
5. Outcome shared with referring school.
6. Coventry Academy initiates onboarding.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NEW for Autumn Term 2025-26 Only - Focus11

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.

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. Discussed at Multi-Agency panel.
5. Outcome shared with referring school.
6. Coventry Academy initiates onboarding.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional information - Refocus

• During the initial seven weeks, the student will attend Coventry Academy for four days weekly, with attendance at their home school scheduled for Mondays.
• Transitioning back to their home school occurs during the final three weeks, known as the "Back to School Phase."
• Upon returning 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.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Year 11 Post 16 Pathways

Year 11 POST 16 Pathways Framework 

The framework outlines the broad spectrum of educational, vocational, and training opportunities available to students in Year 11 accessing CAP, providing structured guidance to help them explore their interests, understand each pathway, and make well-informed, confident decisions about their future learning and career direction. It is designed not only to inform choices but also to actively prepare students for their Post-16 transition, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to successfully move into further education, training, or employment. By identifying potential barriers early and offering targeted interventions, the framework plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of students becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), ensuring that every young person remains engaged and supported throughout this critical stage of their development.

Year 11 POST 16 Programmes 

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 NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). 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 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, 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 

Coventry Alternative Provision and its training providers offer a powerful lifeline to Year 11 students who are accessing alternative provision, ensuring they are not only supported academically but also inspired to believe in their future. The mission is clear: to prevent young people from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and to guide them confidently into meaningful Post-16 destinations. This is achieved through a personalised and holistic approaches that wrap around each student, recognising their unique potential and nurturing it every step of the way.

Students can receive tailored academic support, including focused on English and Maths, access to functional skills qualifications, and opportunities to pursue vocational pathways in areas such as construction, hospitality, hair and beauty, and motor vehicle maintenance. Learning is delivered in small, nurturing environments where students can rebuild confidence, rediscover motivation, and achieve qualifications that open doors.

Beyond academics, the CAP Team and Training Providers provide robust career guidance, helping students explore their interests, set goals, and take practical steps toward their future. This includes one-to-one career interviews, help with college and apprenticeship applications, CV writing workshops, and real-world work experience placements that ignite ambition and build employability skills.

Emotional wellbeing is at the heart of the support offered. Students are paired with dedicated mentors who offer regular check-ins, encouragement, and a listening ear. Where needed, therapeutic services can be available to help young people navigate personal challenges and develop resilience. The team also works closely with families, ensuring parents and carers are engaged and empowered to support their child’s journey.

As students approach the transition to Post-16, the team is able to orchestrate handovers, arranging visits to colleges and training providers, facilitating introductions, and ensuring that every young person feels prepared and supported. This isn’t just about logistics — it’s about building belief. Students leave alternative provision not only with qualifications, but with a renewed sense of purpose, self-worth, and the confidence to thrive in the next chapter of their lives.

Tier 2/Tier 3/ST referral deadlines and panel dates - AY 25/26

Safeguarding procedures

Coventry Alternative Provision recognise the importance of keeping our students safe whilst in our care. We do this by having a highly dedicated team of professionals who are trained as Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputy Safeguarding Leads, who provide advice and guidance to the Training Providers.

As CAP lead on the delivery of Alternative Provision with Schools and Training Providers, it is important to maintain clear communication with the safeguarding teams within these organisations.

CAP Safeguarding Team

• Donna Wood 
• Catherine Harding 
• Jemma Walton 
• Lynette Whitehouse
• Janet Gilmore

Reporting a concern

If you have concerns regarding any of your students or if you want to discuss any other safeguarding concerns, please contact one of our DSLs (details below).

Please record all incidents of safeguarding on CPOMs

Effective safeguarding

It is important to remember that safeguarding and child protection are not the same.
Safeguarding is what we do for all children and young people to keep them safe whilst in our care. Child protection describes the policy and procedures specifically for those young people who are at risk of serious harm or have been seriously harmed.

As we are a collaborative service working in partnership with many organisations, schools and agencies, it is imperative that our young people are safeguarded and that all safeguarding concerns are reported in the correct way.

All providers have demonstrated how their organisation adheres to all safeguarding requirements and confirmation is received each academic year that staff have completed safeguarding training.

If a safeguarding concern or disclosure arises, CPOMs must be completed and relevant individuals alerted to incident.

These forms must be completed with accurate, detailed information.

The DSL of the provider should have made contact with the School DSL to advise them of any concern as soon as possible and information will be available on CPOMs

If a referral to MASH [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/31/children_and_families/2186/coventrys_multi_agency_safeguarding_hub_mash/2] or any other agency is required as a result of the concern or disclosure, provider staff must do this if they are the organisation raising the concern or receiving the disclosure.

LADO

Reports are made when an adult who works with children has alleged to have abused their position of trust within their setting, this includes both employment or in a voluntary capacity.

If you have concerns around another professional's conduct in regards to the safety of young people or children, this should be reported to CAP Service Lead who will investigate and gather information initially. For more information please refer to our Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) web page [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/206/coventry_safeguarding_children_partnership/2628/local_authority_designated_officer_lado].

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

The aim of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/mash] is to bring together key professionals from across the city to facilitate early, high-quality information sharing, analysis and decision-making to deliver quality outcomes for children, young people and families.

As a result, decisions will be made quicker and support targeted towards the most urgent cases. Indeed, more effective co-ordination between agencies will also lead to an improved service for children and their families, as well as allowing agencies to enhance risk management and mitigation.

Any concerns regarding the safety and welfare of young people must be reported to the MASH service.

Child Exploitation Indicator Tool

As professionals working with young people it is important that we are aware of signs of child exploitation and abuse. A full breakdown of different types of exploitation [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/37/childrens_social_care/2415/child_exploitation/3].

Coventry City Council's Social Care has put together lots of information on how to recognise the signs and what to do if you have concerns.

If at any time you do have concerns around a young person in regards to exploitation, you must complete the Child Exploitation Indicator Tool [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/6695/child_exploitation_indicator_tool].

Once this form has been completed please see below where to send it;

• if the child is open to Children's Services, please send the tool to the social worker and the Horizon team cse.horizon@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:cse.horizon@coventry.gov.uk].
• if the child is not open or if the professional completing the indicator tool doesn’t know, please email it to MASH mash@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:mash@coventry.gov.uk] together with a Multi-agency referral and initial information (MARF) form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Children_s_Services___Multi_agency_referral_and_initial_information].

Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) form

If you have any intel, it may be vital to the police with ongoing investigations.

All concerns/knowledge must be reported via completion of this Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) form [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/6694/force_intelligence_bureau_fib_form].

Please provide as much information as you can, only provide what you know or have heard, do not elaborate or second guess. If needed you can submit more than one form.

Your details will not be shared with the police team investigating the intel. Once completed this must be sent to West Midlands Police at fib@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk [mailto:fib@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk]

Application response

To ensure the application process is efficient, reliable and can evidence information being sought by Schools/academies or sent to Schools/academies (commissioners) by training providers to support placement decisions at any time, Coventry Alternative Provision have introduced an application response.

Applications will no longer be processed by Coventry Alternative Provision (CAP) without receipt of an application response. This process requires training providers to acknowledge receipt of the application documentation, consider whether they can meet the students’ identified needs and risk level and confirm if a student can start provision.

Only upon receipt of this will CAP Admin process any new referrals.

School/academies will also receive the application response with full details enabling them to prepare with the student prior to a provision commencing.  

If a training provider feel that they are unable to meet the identified needs of the student, they can decline a provision, but they must document the reason for the decision on the application response. If this occurs, CAP will contact the referring school to discuss alternative training providers that may be more suitable.

If a school/academy has not received an application response, the provision must not commence and if it does, CAP will take no responsibility for the provision that is accessed, this could result in fees being incorrect.

Attendance and behaviour monitoring

Behaviour incidents 

When a behaviour incident occurs, the incident will be recorded via CPOMS

Student Meetings

When a concern has been raised regarding a student's Attendance and Behaviour the correct process needs to be followed as per CAP policies. 

To ensure all actions and developments are recorded correctly meeting must be completed by CAP Monitoring Officer during the meeting. This meeting should be held with a representative from the Training Provider, School, CAP (where possible) and student with parent/carer. 

If there is not a Monitoring Officer present, it is the Training Providers responsibility to complete the record.

The information on these forms will be recorded on CPOMS by the Monitoring Officers. 

Meeting Forms

Attendance Meeting Form  [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8340/attendance-meeting-form-2526]

Behaviour Meeting Form  [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8339/behaviour-meeting-form-2526]

Change of day request

Change of day request form and process

Change of day request form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/CAP_change_of_day_request] 

• Step 1 - School/training provider have identified a need for a student to change the day of their provision, this may be due to a number of reasons. 
• Step 2 - School and training provider must consider the impact of this change of day on student achievement, health and well-being
• Step 3 - Both the school and training provider to agree to the change of day.
• Step 4 - School representative completes the online change of day form via the service website.
• Step 5 - Change of day form is received by CAP.
• Step 6 - CAP admin access the change of day form and input details to CLM and Capita.
• Step 7 - Change of day form is sent to the training provider and school to confirm the change of date for student 

Please allow two working days for this to be processed.

Withdrawal process

Submit a withdrawal form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/CAP_student_withdrawal]

• Step 1 - School or Training Provider have identified a provision/student that they wish to withdraw from CAP.
• Step 2 - School or Training Provider must consider the impact of this withdrawal on student achievement, health and well being.
• Step 3 - If it is the Training Provider who are requesting the withdrawal a meeting must be arranged with CAP and School to discuss prior to the official withdrawal form being submitted.
• If the School are requesting the withdrawal, we encourage a discussion with our Monitoring Officers prior to the official withdrawal form being submitted.
• Step 4 - School or Training Provider representative completes the online withdrawal form via the service website.
• Step 5 - Withdrawal form is received by CAP.
• Step 6 - CAP admin access the Withdrawal form and identify whether the request has come from a School or Training Provider.
• Admin also check if the student is being withdrawn from all provisions/days specific to that course and then proceed with the withdrawal on CLM and Capita.
• Step 7 - Withdrawal form is sent to the Training Provider or School, dependant on who has requested the withdrawal.

To withdraw a provision, the referring School or Training Provider must submit a withdrawal form and allow 5 working days for this to be processed.

Making a complaint

In the unlikely event that your school wishes to raise a formal complaint about the service received, please see the CAP complaints policy and use the CAP online complaint form.

CAP Complaint Form [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/CAP_complaint_form]

Quality assurance

We understand how important it is for schools to feel confident when accessing provision through Coventry Alternative Provision. It is essential that schools have a clear understanding of the steps taken by Coventry Local Authority to ensure all delivery centres are safe and of high quality.

Each year, we review and refine our quality assurance processes to maintain and improve the standards of delivery.

This page has been created to give schools direct access to evidence of the ongoing work Coventry Alternative Provision undertakes throughout the year to uphold high levels of quality and performance.

Below, you’ll find key documentation that we encourage schools to review. These resources can also support preparations for visits from Ofsted or other external agencies.

Schools quality pack

• Keeping Children Safe In Education 2025 [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68add931969253904d155860/Keeping_children_safe_in_education_from_1_September_2025.pdf]
• Quality Statement 2025 to 2026  from Coventry Alternative Provision [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8218/quality-statement-2526]
• Schools Terms and Conditions 2025 to 2026 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8345/terms-and-conditions---schools-2526]
• Coventry Alternative Provision Policies 2025 to 2026  [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8335/cap-policies-2025-26]
• CAP Quality Review 2025 to 2026 Process [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/45215/qa-process-ay2526]

New for 2025 to 2026

Schools will now be able to access key documentation from Training Providers—including insurance certificates, risk assessments, and quality assurance materials—via our dedicated Training Provider Quality Assurance SharePoint site. This centralised resource has been developed to support transparency, compliance, and safeguarding, ensuring that schools have immediate access to the necessary documents for each provider their students are engaging with. It is essential that schools take responsibility for downloading and reviewing these documents for every provider their learners are accessing, as part of their duty of care and quality monitoring processes. This will help ensure that all placements meet required standards and that students are supported in safe, well-managed environments