If your child is struggling in mainstream school, you might be feeling overwhelmed, worried, or uncertain about what comes next. You’re not alone and importantly, there ARE other options that could transform your child’s educational experience.
What is Alternative Provision?
Alternative Provision (AP) is specialist education designed specifically for children who can’t access mainstream school, either temporarily or long-term. It’s not a “last resort” it’s a different pathway that recognizes not every child thrives in a traditional classroom setting.
Why might my child need Alternative Provision?
Children access AP for many different reasons
- Permanent or temporary exclusion from mainstream school
- Severe anxiety or school refusal that makes attendance impossible
- Medical conditions affecting their ability to attend regularly
- Behavioural challenges that mainstream settings can’t adequately support
- Being at risk of exclusion and needing early intervention
- Mental health needs requiring specialist understanding
- Pregnancy or young parenthood requiring flexible education
Who thrives in Alternative Provision?
Many children in AP are neurodiverse with conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other learning differences. Others face mental health challenges, have experienced trauma, or simply learn in ways that don’t fit the mainstream model.
What they all have in common is that they deserve an education that works for them, not one they have to struggle to fit into.
What Makes Alternative Provision Different?
The difference isn’t just about where your child learns it’s about how they learn and who supports them:
Much smaller class sizes
Instead of 30+ pupils, AP settings typically have 6-8 students per class. Your child gets individual attention, and teachers can truly understand their needs.
Staff specially trained in additional needs
Teachers and support staff in AP have expertise in SEND, trauma-informed practice, behaviour support, and mental health. They understand that challenging behaviour often means a child is struggling, not just being difficult.
Flexible timetables that work around your child
If your child struggles with full days, AP can build up gradually. If mornings are harder than afternoons, timetables can adapt. The system bends to fit your child, not the other way around.
Focus on rebuilding confidence, not just academic results
Yes, qualifications matter but so does your child’s self-esteem, wellbeing, and belief in their own potential. AP recognizes that a child who feels safe and valued will learn.
Practical skills alongside traditional subjects
Many AP settings offer vocational training, life skills, outdoor education, and therapeutic activities that mainstream schools simply don’t have capacity for.
Therapeutic and holistic support
Access to counsellors, mental health support, mentoring, and family support workers who understand the whole picture not just what happens in the classroom.
What about my child’s future?
This is often parents’ biggest worry: “Will Alternative Provision hold my child back?”
The answer is NO. Many AP settings
- Help students gain GCSEs and other qualifications
- Support transition back to mainstream when appropriate
- Prepare young people for college, apprenticeships, or employment
- Focus on building resilience and life skills that last beyond school years
The goal isn’t just to “manage” your child it’s to help them discover their strengths, build confidence, and find a pathway that works for their future.
How Bitnet Solutions Supports Your Child’s Journey
At Bitnet Solutions, we understand that behind every child in Alternative Provision is a family who wants the very best for them. That’s why we’ve built our platform EDART with your child’s needs at the absolute forefront.
Designed with children at the centre
We didn’t create generic school software and hope it would work for AP. We co-designed our platforms with hospital schools and AP settings, listening to what students, families, and staff actually need.
Real-time support when it matters most
Our platforms help AP staff
- Monitor wellbeing daily, so if your child is struggling, staff know immediately
- Track attendance patterns to identify early warning signs
- Coordinate support across teachers, therapists, and external agencies
- Share progress with you clearly and regularly
Your child is more than data
While our technology captures important information, we designed it to support the human relationships that help children thrive. Staff can spend less time on paperwork and more time building trust with your child.
Supporting smooth transitions
Whether your child is moving into AP, between settings, or back to mainstream, our platforms ensure vital information travels with them so they never have to start from scratch explaining their needs.
Keeping safeguarding at the core
Your child’s safety is paramount. Our systems provide instant alerts for safeguarding concerns, ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and create clear records that protect vulnerable young people.
Your Questions Answered
“Is this giving up on mainstream school?”
Not at all. It’s recognising that your child needs something different right now. Many children return to mainstream when they’re ready and they do so with renewed confidence and better strategies for managing their needs.
“Will my child be labelled?”
Quality AP settings work hard to challenge stigma and build pupils’ self-worth. Being in AP doesn’t define your child it’s simply the right educational environment for them at this time.
“How long will my child be there?”
It varies. Some students attend for a few weeks, others for years. The placement should be reviewed regularly with your input, and goals should be clear from the start.
“Can I visit before my child starts?”
Absolutely and you should. Good AP settings welcome parent visits and want you to feel confident in their approach.
“What if it doesn’t work out?”
Your child’s placement should be kept under review, with regular communication between you and the setting. If it’s not working, other options should be explored together.
Moving Forward
If your child has been offered an AP placement or you’re exploring options take time to
- Visit the setting and meet the staff
- Ask questions about how they’ll support your child’s specific needs
- Talk to your child about what they hope for (if they’re able to)
- Stay involved once they start your insight is invaluable
- Give it time while staying vigilant change doesn’t happen overnight
You’re Your Child’s Best Advocate
Remember: you know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and stay involved in decisions about their education. Alternative Provision can be the turning point that helps your child rediscover their love of learning, build confidence, and find their path forward. At Bitnet Solutions, we’re committed to supporting that journey not through technology alone, but through tools that empower the incredible people who work with your child every day. Because every child deserves an education that sees their potential, not just their challenges.
Want to know more?
Learn how Bitnet Solutions supports Alternative Provision settings to deliver outstanding outcomes:
If you have concerns about your child’s education, speak to their school, your local authority’s SEND team, or organisations like IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) for guidance on your rights and options.
