Devon’s SEND Local Offer

Alternative education provision

About alternative education provision (AEP)

For most children and young people, going to school or college with their peers is the best way to learn, build independence and prepare for adult life.

However, a small number of children and young people have complex needs and may find it difficult to attend a mainstream or special school or college. This might be because of:

  • a long‑term illness or disability
  • specific educational needs
  • mental health difficulties

In most cases, an AEP package will be a short-term solution which will aim to support a child or young person to move towards accessing an educational setting.

Types of alternative education provision

There are three types of alternative education provision:

  • Non-school alternative education provision
  • Alternative academy provision
  • Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)

Non-school alternative education provision

These settings and services:

  • are usually delivered by independent providers, which may include registered companies, charities, community interest companies or sole traders.
  • provide up to 18 hours of support per week for a child or young person.
  • are not registered as schools and are not currently inspected by Ofsted
  • offer a wide range of support, for example:
    • tutoring
    • mentoring or coaching
    • outdoor or sports‑based activities

Accessing non-school AEP

Support from non‑school AEP providers is usually arranged by:

  • the child or young person’s school, which commissions and organises services directly
  • parents or carers, who can use their Personal Education Budgets from Devon County Council
  • Devon County Council, through services such as SEND Operations, Inclusion and Learning Services, or the Virtual School

Where Devon County Council arranges the support, providers will be sourced from the approved Open Framework.

Non-school alternative education providers list

Alternative academy provision.

These settings:

  • are run by academy trusts registered with the Department for Education
  • are inspected by Ofsted
  • work in partnership with local authorities to support children and young people

In Devon, WAVE Multi‑Academy Trust works with Devon County Council to provide places at:

Accessing alternative academy provision

Devon County Council leads on arranging these placements. We work closely with:

  • WAVE Multi‑Academy Trust
  • families
  • the child or young person’s school

Pupil Referral Units

The Devon Short Stay Hospital School supports children and young people who are unable to attend school for medical reasons. It is registered as a Pupil Referral Unit with the Department for Education, and is inspected by Ofsted

Devon County Council works with the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and North Devon District Hospital to deliver this support.

Accessing the Devon Short Stay Hospital School

Devon County Council will arrange support for eligible children and young people, working with:

  • families
  • the child or young person’s school
  • the Devon Short Stay Hospital School
  • hospital partners

Additional information

The Government continues to review how alternative education provision is used across England and how it can best support children and young people now and in the future.

More information is available on the GOV.UK website: