Alternative Provision News

What the UK Can Learn from Its Own Approaches to Alternative Provision

What the UK Can Learn from Its Own Approaches to Alternative Provision

by | Jul 3, 2025 | , ,

What happens to pupils who don’t quite “fit” into mainstream education? For decades, “alternative provision” (AP) has existed to support young people at risk of exclusion, or already excluded, from school. But how this support is structured varies widely across the UK’s four nations. According to new research, these differences reveal more than just policy preference. They raise important questions about equity, effectiveness, and the very purpose of education.

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We are exhibiting at PRUsAP Conference 2025!

We are exhibiting at PRUsAP Conference 2025!

by | May 19, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We are thrilled to announce that DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance will be exhibiting at the PRUsAP Conference 2025, a pivotal event dedicated to professionals in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and Alternative Provision (AP). This year’s theme, “Back to Basics: For the Sector, By the Sector”, underscores a commitment to grassroots collaboration and sector-led innovation.

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Understanding Pupil Attendance Trends in England

Understanding Pupil Attendance Trends in England

by | May 12, 2025 | , , , , , ,

The Department for Education’s recent report, Year-on-Year Change in Pupil Attendance (May 2025), offers valuable insights into pupil attendance patterns across England’s state-funded mainstream schools between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years. By examining how students transition between different absence levels, the report highlights critical periods where interventions can be most effective.

read more
School Budget Cuts Threaten Labour’s Education Mission

School Budget Cuts Threaten Labour’s Education Mission

by | Apr 10, 2025 | , , , ,

A recent report by Schools Week reveals a concerning surge in budget cuts across schools in England, posing a serious threat to Labour’s flagship “opportunity mission” in education. According to a survey commissioned by the Sutton Trust, more schools than ever since 2020 are being forced to reduce teaching staff, support staff, and even entire subjects from their curriculum.

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The Attendance Trap: How Missing School Fuels Inequality

The Attendance Trap: How Missing School Fuels Inequality

by | Mar 17, 2025 | , , , , , , , , ,

Educational inequality remains a pressing issue, and a new report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) sheds light on why the attainment gap between disadvantaged students and their peers has widened in recent years. The study examines trends between 2019 and 2023, analysing key factors such as pupil absence, special educational needs (SEND), gender, ethnicity, and regional disparities.

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School Timetabling: How This System Simplifies Scheduling for Alternative Provision

School Timetabling: How This System Simplifies Scheduling for Alternative Provision

by | Mar 10, 2025 | , , , , , ,

Effective school timetabling is crucial in educational settings, especially within alternative provision environments where students often require tailored schedules to meet their unique needs. DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance offers a comprehensive solution to streamline this process, ensuring both educators and students benefit from a well-structured timetable.

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What you need to know about the 2025 Alternative Provision guidance

What you need to know about the 2025 Alternative Provision guidance

by | Feb 12, 2025 | , , , , ,

On February 5th 2025, The UK Department for Education (DfE) released updated guidance on arranging alternative provision (AP) for children who cannot access mainstream education due to exclusion, illness, or other reasons. This guide (Click here to read the full guide) outlines statutory responsibilities, best practices, and funding for local authorities and schools when placing children in AP.

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Recommended Reading

Key Insights from the Inclusion in Practice Report

Key Insights from the Inclusion in Practice Report

by | Jul 10, 2025 | , , , , , , ,

The latest Emerging Insights report from Inclusion in Practice offers a compelling glimpse into how schools across England are tackling these questions head-on. Based on wide-ranging evidence from over 8,000 schools, the report highlights emerging models of success and outlines practical, evidence-informed principles that support inclusion for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

read more
What the UK Can Learn from Its Own Approaches to Alternative Provision

What the UK Can Learn from Its Own Approaches to Alternative Provision

by | Jul 3, 2025 | , ,

What happens to pupils who don’t quite “fit” into mainstream education? For decades, “alternative provision” (AP) has existed to support young people at risk of exclusion, or already excluded, from school. But how this support is structured varies widely across the UK’s four nations. According to new research, these differences reveal more than just policy preference. They raise important questions about equity, effectiveness, and the very purpose of education.

read more
We are exhibiting at PRUsAP Conference 2025!

We are exhibiting at PRUsAP Conference 2025!

by | May 19, 2025 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We are thrilled to announce that DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance will be exhibiting at the PRUsAP Conference 2025, a pivotal event dedicated to professionals in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and Alternative Provision (AP). This year’s theme, “Back to Basics: For the Sector, By the Sector”, underscores a commitment to grassroots collaboration and sector-led innovation.

read more
Understanding Pupil Attendance Trends in England

Understanding Pupil Attendance Trends in England

by | May 12, 2025 | , , , , , ,

The Department for Education’s recent report, Year-on-Year Change in Pupil Attendance (May 2025), offers valuable insights into pupil attendance patterns across England’s state-funded mainstream schools between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years. By examining how students transition between different absence levels, the report highlights critical periods where interventions can be most effective.

read more
SEND numbers have risen, DfE to investigate

SEND numbers have risen, DfE to investigate

by | May 9, 2025 | , , , , , , ,

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced plans to investigate the sharp increase in the number of children requiring special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support in England. This move follows criticism from the Public Accounts Committee, which highlighted the government’s inadequate data and lack of a clear, costed reform plan.

read more
School Budget Cuts Threaten Labour’s Education Mission

School Budget Cuts Threaten Labour’s Education Mission

by | Apr 10, 2025 | , , , ,

A recent report by Schools Week reveals a concerning surge in budget cuts across schools in England, posing a serious threat to Labour’s flagship “opportunity mission” in education. According to a survey commissioned by the Sutton Trust, more schools than ever since 2020 are being forced to reduce teaching staff, support staff, and even entire subjects from their curriculum.

read more