The Department for Education (DfE) has introduced new national voluntary standards for non-school alternative provision (AP), marking a significant step toward improving quality, consistency, and accountability across the sector. These standards, published in 2025, aim to ensure that all children and young people accessing AP receive safe, supportive, and high-quality education tailored to their individual needs.
Purpose and Scope of the Standards
The voluntary standards provide a clear framework for organisations delivering education outside of traditional school settings. They are designed to support local authorities, schools, and providers in commissioning and delivering effective AP that meets the needs of pupils who may not thrive in mainstream education. While not statutory, the standards set out expectations that reflect best practice and align with existing safeguarding and educational requirements.
The standards apply to all non-school AP settings, including independent providers, community-based programmes, and specialist services commissioned by schools or local authorities.
Key Areas of Focus
The national voluntary standards for non-school alternative provision are structured around four main areas that define what high-quality, safe, and effective provision should look like. These areas set clear expectations for providers and commissioners to ensure that every pupil receives appropriate support and education in a secure environment.
1. Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Safeguarding is at the heart of the standards, ensuring that all children and young people in alternative provision are protected from harm and supported to thrive. Providers must have robust safeguarding policies that align with statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Staff should be trained to identify and respond to concerns, with clear procedures for reporting and escalation. The standards also emphasise the importance of promoting wellbeing—creating an environment where pupils feel safe, respected, and supported in their emotional and mental health.
2. Health and Safety
Providers are expected to maintain safe premises and practices that protect pupils, staff, and visitors. The standards require compliance with health and safety legislation, including risk assessments, emergency procedures, and regular maintenance checks. Providers should ensure that learning environments are suitable for the activities delivered and that staff are trained to manage risks effectively. This area also covers responsibilities around first aid, fire safety, and the safe use of equipment and facilities, ensuring that pupils can learn in a secure and well-managed setting.
3. Admissions, support and Guidance
The standards set out expectations for fair, transparent, and well-managed admissions processes. Providers should work closely with commissioners, schools, and local authorities to ensure that placements are appropriate and meet each pupil’s individual needs. Clear information should be provided to pupils and families about the nature of the provision, expectations, and support available. Guidance and induction processes should help pupils settle quickly, understand routines, and feel part of the learning community. The standards also highlight the importance of ongoing communication with parents and carers throughout the placement.
4. Quality of Education
High-quality education is central to effective alternative provision. Providers should deliver a curriculum that is broad, balanced, and tailored to the needs and aspirations of each pupil. Teaching should be engaging, inclusive, and designed to promote both academic progress and personal development. The standards encourage regular assessment, feedback, and review to ensure that learning is purposeful and outcomes are measurable. Collaboration with mainstream schools and other agencies is also encouraged to support reintegration or progression to further education, training, or employment.
These standards are, at the moment, voluntary but are fully expected to be mandatory in the near future. At APFinder, we have set up our Premium Listings to match this expectation so you can demonstrate your commitment to quality education delivered in safe and supportive environment. Interested in joining this growing movement of Alternative Providers? Click the button below!
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