GovWire

This statutory guidance is for:

• headteachers
• local authorities
• governing bodies
• academy trusts

It applies to all educational settings providing alternative provision (AP):

• schools maintained by the local authority
• academies and free schools
• pupil referral units (PRUs)
• further education colleges
• independent providers that deliver alternative provision

This guidance covers the use of AP where:

• local authorities arrange education for pupils who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise receive suitable education
• schools arrange education for pupils on a fixed-period exclusion
• schools arrange education for pupils to improve their behaviour off-site

Statutory guidance on responsibilities relating to schools and PRUs which require support or intervention is available atSupport and intervention in schools.

Statutory guidance sets out what schools and local authorities must do to comply with the law.