Internal Alternative Provision (IAP)
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 on IAP
HFL Education provides a comprehensive suite of resources on the HFL Hub to support school leaders in establishing, developing, and reviewing Internal Alternative Provision (IAP). These include full implementation guidance, a self-audit tool, and a review framework. All materials are available via the HFL Education Shop. For schools seeking additional support, HFL Education also offers bespoke consultancy and quality assurance. To explore how we can assist your setting, please contact your school's SEA or reach out to Justine McDonald at: justine.mcdonald@hfleducation.org.
Please note this support applies to IAP only not Alternative Provision.
Visit HFL Education for more inclusion and SEND resources.