Alternative Provision in Education: a New Pathway for Pupils at Risk of Exclusion

For many children and young people, education can gradually become difficult to access. In England, there were over 955,000 suspensions and 10,900 permanent exclusions recorded in the 2023 to 2024 academic year¹. These figures have continued to rise in recent years, reflecting a growing number of pupils who are finding it harder to remain connected to mainstream education.

Against this backdrop, a new phase of work is now underway at Positive Support Group, with the first pupils joining our education-focused alternative provision. This provision has been developed to re-engage pupils aged 5 to 18 who have become disconnected from education due to social, emotional and mental health needs, anxiety, or risk of exclusion. Rather than focusing solely on returning pupils to school, our emphasis is on creating an experience of learning that feels accessible, supportive, and meaningful.

At the centre of this is a balanced and ambitious offer that brings together academic learning, vocational training, therapeutic input, life skills, and enrichment. In this way, education is approached more holistically, recognising that confidence, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging are just as important as attainment. To support this, the curriculum is delivered through a three-pathway model, allowing pupils to be met at their current stage of readiness and supported to move forward at a pace that works for them.

Pathway 1: Engagement

Designed for pupils who are currently unable to access education or community life. Through one-to-one outreach and home-based learning, the focus is on rebuilding trust, strengthening confidence, and establishing the routines that make learning feel possible again.

Pathway 2: Transition to Education

As pupils begin to reconnect, Pathway 2 offers a bridge back into learning. This includes one-to-one tuition and small group sessions, alongside therapeutic and well-being support, helping pupils to gradually rebuild their relationship with education.

Pathway 3: Transition to School

For those who are ready to take the next step, Pathway 3 supports movement into mainstream or post-16 settings. This is accompanied by ongoing mentoring, close work with families, and tailored support to help ensure that transitions are both positive and sustainable.

Running through all three pathways is a consistent focus on reducing barriers to learning. This is supported through trauma-informed practice, strong and trusting relationships, and personalised approaches that recognise each pupil’s strengths, preferences, and individual needs, with trust and connection forming an important part of this. In turn, when pupils feel understood, supported, and met where they are, re-engagement can begin to grow, alongside confidence and participation.

References
Department for Education. Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England: 2023 to 2024. London: Department for Education; 2025.