Alternative provision

The providers listed in the directory successfully met the tender requirements and were awarded an Essex contract in June 2023.

Alternative providers who did not apply to join the IPES framework, or who were unsuccessful in meeting the required standard will not feature in the list.

Irrespective of whether the alternative provider is listed on the Alternative Provision Directory, schools are reminded that they are responsible for their quality assurance arrangements both before and throughout any placement.

Commissioning schools remain fully responsible for the safe placement of all pupils on their roll accessing alternative provisions. Further guidance on commissioning unregistered AP can be found in the Safeguarding Commissioning Alternative Education guidance.

Schools are responsible for ensuring that alternative provision placements are kept under regular review, and that progress against commissioning objectives is evaluated.

Alternative providers must work in partnership with schools to ensure that placements continue to meet the individual needs of the pupils they serve. A process for sharing information must be agreed upon between alternative providers and schools to enable schools to fulfil their monitoring responsibilities.

If you have any concerns about a provider listed on the Directory, email IPES@essex.gov.uk