Alternative provision
Education for school-age children unable to attend their school full-time due to health, exclusion, or additional support needs.
Internal Alternative Provision (IAP) guidance for school leaders
Commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and produced by HFL Education, this guidance document supports school leaders in establishing and running an effective, sustainable Internal Alternative Provision (IAP).
The Department for Education may refer to this type of provision as an in-school unit or an internal alternative provision. However, within HCC and HFL Education, the term Internal Alternative Provision is currently used. This terminology may be subject to change as national guidance evolves.
An IAP provides structured, on-site support for pupils facing behavioural, emotional, social, or learning challenges, helping them overcome barriers and successfully reintegrate into mainstream education. This guidance outlines key considerations, leadership strategies, and best practices to ensure that an IAP is a high-quality, purposeful provision aligned with whole-school inclusion principles.
What does this guidance cover?
- Defining the purpose and vision
- Eligibility and needs identification
- Leadership and staffing
- Curriculum and quality of education
- Behaviour and wellbeing
- Transition and reintegration
- Parental and stakeholder engagement
Who is this guidance for?
- Headteachers and senior leaders considering or reviewing their IAP provision.
- SENCOs and inclusion leads supporting pupils.
- Pastoral and behaviour teams working with vulnerable learners.
- Governors and trustees overseeing provision quality and accountability.
Further support from HFL Education
HFL Education offers more detailed guidance and bespoke consultancy to support school leaders in developing and quality-assuring their IAP. To discuss your school's needs and explore how we can assist, please contact your school’s SEA or Justine McDonald, email: justine.mcdonald@hfleducation.org
Visit HFL Education for more inclusion and SEND resources.
HCC alternative provision guidance
This guidance document will refer to both registered and unregistered providers collectively as ‘AP. This guidance does not include Education Support Centres (ESCs). Visit these sections on the Grid for further support on SEND, medical absence and exclusion.