Alternative education provision consultation

The draft policy will look at the ways the authority can commission, provide access to and review its approach to alternative provision.

The draft plan aims to help those children and young people who are at risk of exclusion to access the education that is appropriate to their needs, in a timely and well-planned way, avoiding permanent exclusion wherever possible.

This could range from strategies in the classroom, to behaviour management support, to multi-agency support and intervention, through to placements at specialist settings best suited to the needs of each individual child.

Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people said:

It’s essential that all of our children and young people are able to access the education and emotional and personal development support they need. This draft policy looks at the ways we can help do that and provide our young people with the skills they need for the future.

We hope that this policy will allow us to reduce the number of children and young people facing permanent exclusion and providing a support structure and a way forward for those who do find themselves in this position.

I hope that parents, teachers and other professionals take the time to look at our proposals and share their thoughts with us.

The council wants people to share their views on the draft policy to help inform decision for the future. It can be viewed on the council website under alternative provision.

The closing date for comments is Friday 21 August.