KCSiE 2025 states:

331. Where a school places a pupil with an alternative provision provider, the school continues to be responsible for the safeguarding of that pupil, (further information provided in part 2).

• Schools should obtain written confirmation from the alternative provision provider that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out on individuals working at the establishment, i.e. those checks that the school would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff. This includes written confirmation that the alternative provider will inform the commissioning school of any arrangements that may put the child at risk (i.e. staff changes), so that the commissioning school can ensure itself that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out on new staff.

 

 

Alternative provision can follow 3 forms

• Education arranged by local authorities for pupils who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise receive suitable education
•  Education arranged directly by schools for pupils on a suspension
•  Pupils being directed by schools to off-site provisions to improve behaviour

It is important to note that safeguarding students when using alternative provision is crucial. Schools must ensure that parent and carers are given clear information about the placement, keep placement under review and ensure that the governing body follows statutory guidance for maintained schools.