Coventry Secondary School Partnership - Print version

Welcome pack for Coventry Secondary Partnership

Coventry Secondary School Partnership

The Coventry Secondary School Partnership enables secondary schools across the city to access high-quality alternative provision that meets the diverse needs of their students. Through a collaborative approach, the partnership works with schools to provide timely, flexible, and effective support for young people who may be at risk of disengagement, exclusion, or barriers to learning.

By connecting schools with a range of specialist provision, the partnership helps ensure that students receive the right support at the right time, promoting positive outcomes in attendance, engagement, wellbeing, and achievement. The partnership is committed to maintaining high standards of quality, safeguarding, and inclusivity, ensuring that all alternative provision offers meaningful pathways for students to succeed.

Together, we are helping Coventry schools strengthen inclusion, reduce barriers to education, and give every young person the opportunity to thrive.

Take a look at our CAP Secondary Graduated Model of Support AY 2026 to 2027 [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8233/cap-secondary-graduated-model-of-support-ay-2026-to-2027]

Service Level Agreement and Coventry school access AY 2026 to 2027

The CAP SLA 2026 to 2027 provides access to:

• all CAP tiers through a single SLA
• CAP quality assurance & compliance framework
• 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
• the Education Engagement Team for advice and guidance
• an Education Engagement Practitioner in school half a day per week
• network and training events for Behaviour Leads, Pastoral Leads, SENDCos, CAP Coordinators
• collaborative leadership support
• continued subscription to ‘When The Adults Change Behaviour Programme’ (up to January 2027)

New developments for 2026 to 2027

See Full Service Level Agreement (SLA). [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/45569/the-cap-secondary-partnership-sla-2026-to-2027]

Tier 2 - Aspiration Pathway (applications can be made at any time)

Open access to:

• Pathways with Purpose (new for 2026 to 2027)
• CAPA Lite (new for 2026 to 2027)
• 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/placement co-ordination and monitoring via dedicated personalised learning and outreach officers
• monitoring systems for attendance, progress, safeguarding and behaviour

Tier 2: Therapeutic Pathway

Priority access to:

• Insight and Flourish Placements, i.e. priority over schools who do not have the SLA (course fees still apply)
• course/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)

Tier 2: Engagement Pathway

Exclusive access to:

• 12-week Preventative Placements and the associated Headteacher Panel
• outreach support from an Education Engagement Practitioner for pupils participating in 12-week Preventative Placements during period of the placement
• Refocus Placements for KS3 pupils at the Coventry AP Academy  (New for 2026 to 2027)
• Aspire 16 for KS4 pupils at the Coventry AP Academy  (New for 2026 to 2027)
• Finish 11 for Year 11 pupils at the Coventry AP Academy during the last two terms of year 11 (New for 2026 to 2027)
• outreach support and training from Coventry AP Academy
• funded external mentors via the Youth Justice Service (YJS)
• an Early Help Supporting Families Worker
• additional advice and guidance from the Education Engagement Team
• monitoring systems for Attendance, Progress, Safeguarding and Behaviour

Collaborative Leadership Support

Exclusive access to:

• specialist multi-agency support from the local authority to identify support pathways for students
• opportunities to meet confidentially on a 1:1 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

Continued access to ‘When The Adults Change Behaviour Programme’, which includes

• 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 the WTAC team
• access to a video library that allows you to engage in training at any time

Tier 2 - Aspiration Pathway (Vocational, Core curriculum, Employability skills and Personal Development)

Schools can benefit from a diverse range of over 220 courses available through the CAP Directory as part of our Award, Attainment and Personal development Offer. Coventry Alternative Provision collaborates with more than 90 Procured Training Providers, delivering an array of courses across key categories: Vocational Learning, Practical Skill Development, Personal Development, Curriculum Support, and Employability.

The Aspirations Pathway 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.

These courses 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 3 months prior to the point of referral.

Tier 2 - Aspiration Pathway (14 to 16 Pathways With Purpose)

14-16 Pathways with Purpose

Supporting Young People Towards Successful Post-16 Destinations

Pathways with Purpose is Coventry Alternative Provision's integrated 14 to 16 transition programme, designed to support young people who may be at risk of disengagement from education and future learning. Delivered in partnership with Coventry College and a range of specialist commissioned Alternative Provision training providers, the programme offers a coordinated, vocationally-led pathway that prepares learners for successful progression into education, employment, or training after Year 11.

The programme combines academic, vocational, personal, and transition support within a single, personalised offer, helping young people build the confidence, skills, and aspirations needed for sustained Post-16 success.

The programme includes:

• Academic and vocational learning opportunities
• English, Maths and Functional Skills support
• Careers education, information, advice and guidance
• Employer engagement and work-related learning
• Mentoring, wellbeing and therapeutic support
• Early college experiences and transition activities
• Personalised progression planning
• Supported handovers and induction into Post-16 destinations

Our aim is simple: to prevent young people from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) by providing personalised, wraparound support and a clear progression pathway from age 14 through to Post-16 education, employment or training.

Purpose and objectives

The programme is designed to create a seamless and high-quality progression route between Coventry Alternative Provision and Post-16 learning opportunities, particularly through Coventry College and vocational training providers.

By aligning learning experiences, qualifications, and support services, young people are empowered to move into their next stage of education with confidence, stability, and a clear sense of purpose.

Objectives

• reduce the risk of young people becoming NEET through early identification, targeted intervention, and sustained transition support
• align 14-16 provision with Post-16 pathways, supporting progression from Entry Level through to Level 2 qualifications and beyond
• strengthen academic readiness, particularly in English and Maths, alongside personal development and wellbeing
• provide meaningful employer engagement and work experience opportunities that develop employability skills
• deliver effective transition planning, induction and handover arrangements to improve sustained destinations at 3, 6 and 12 months post-transition

Who is the programme for?

Pathways with Purpose is designed for young people who:

• are at risk of disengagement from education or becoming NEET.
• remain on roll at a mainstream school
• may experience anxiety, low confidence, behavioural challenges, or other barriers to learning.
• would benefit from a smaller, nurturing learning environment.
• have an interest in vocational learning and practical career pathways.

To view the vocational opportunities available through our commissioned providers, please visit our Training Providers Directory. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory/134/coventry-alternative-provision-26-27/category/3000]

Programme Offer

Learners can access support for up to 2 days per week, depending on individual need and programme suitability.

The offer may include:

• vocational learning opportunities
• academic support and intervention
• behaviour support programmes
• emotional wellbeing and social development
• individual mentoring
• personalised learning and transition plans
• careers education, information, advice and guidance
• preparation for Post-16 pathways
• early college experiences and taster opportunities

Programmes may run for up to 2 academic years, depending on individual circumstances and outcomes identified by the school.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, providing flexibility for schools and learners when support is needed most.

Referral Considerations

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

• does the student require a more bespoke curriculum to meet their individual learning needs?
• does the proposed pathway align with the student's interests, strengths, and aspirations?
• how will the programme support future educational progression and Post-16 destinations?
• will Pathways with Purpose provide the right support, at the right time, and in the right setting?
• will participation improve engagement, confidence, attendance, and future outcomes?

Schools are encouraged to complete a Commissioning Agreement to demonstrate the suitability of the programme and intended outcomes for the learner.

Tier 2 - Aspiration Pathway (CAPA Aspire 16 Programme)

New for AY 2026 to 2027: 

Tier 2 Aspiration Pathway - Aspire 16 (KS4)

Coventry Academy presents an Aspirational pathway called Aspire 16, aimed at assisting students in identifying their aspirational goals and overcoming barriers hindering their POST 16 pathway progression. This programme combines vocational awards and core curriculum to equip students for a successful POST 16 transition.

Referral considerations 

• has the school reviewed and adapted the students curriculum/timetable? 
• 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.

Tier 2 - Therapeutic Pathway (Insight and Flourish)

Coventry Alternative Provision has established the therapeutic pathway programmes to provide specialised assistance to young people in need of focused support. This programme has been further categorised into 2 distinct offers; 'Insight' and 'Flourish' 

Insight

Coventry Alternative Provision provides specialised Social Development courses for 6 to 12 weeks, 1 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 12 weeks (2 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? 
• 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 awards, attainment and personal development courses 
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 2 - Engagement Pathway (CAPA Refocus and Finish 11 programme)

Tier 2 - Engagement Pathway - Refocus (KS3 only)

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 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.

Additional information - Refocus

• during the initial 7 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 3 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

New for AY 2026 to 2027

Tier 2 - Engagement Pathway - Finish 11

Coventry Academy presents an Engagement pathway called Finish 11, aimed at assisting students in identifying their aspirational goals and overcoming barriers hindering their POST 16 pathway progression. This programme combines vocational awards and core curriculum to equip students for a successful POST 16 transition.

Referral considerations 

• has the school reviewed and adapted the students curriculum/timetable? 
• 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.

Tier 2 - Engagement Pathway (12 week preventative placement)

Coventry Alternative Provision introduces the 12-week preventative placement providing time-limited support to our young people. 

Submit a CAP multi-agency application

12-week preventative placement 

The 12-week preventative placement  process for Coventry secondary schools is designed to ensure that pupils who require personalised interventions and focused support to overcome barriers, improve engagement and build resilience are offered a time limited placement at a new school. It is not an alternative to permanent exclusion. It is hoped the outcome of a 12-week preventative placement results in the pupil successfully 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 12-week preventative placement Headteacher Panel.

Tier 2 Referral deadlines and panel dates - AY 2026 to 2027