What is online Alternative Provision?
Online Alternative Provision offers education outside a mainstream classroom for a learner who needs a different approach. Sessions take place online and are taught one-to-one by Carly, a qualified teacher with QTS and a PGCE who has worked in education since 2010.
The programme begins with the learner’s current circumstances, strengths, interests and barriers to learning. Together with the parent, school or commissioner, clear priorities can be agreed for academic learning, engagement, confidence and preparation for the learner’s next step.
- Individual online teaching
- A personalised timetable and learning plan
- A calm and consistent teaching relationship
- Clear goals that can be reviewed and adjusted
- Regular communication with families and commissioners
Learning, qualifications and re-engagement
Teaching may focus on English, maths, science, SATs, GCSE preparation or Functional Skills. Academic learning can be combined with work on confidence, communication, independence and routines so that progress is meaningful for the individual learner.
For a learner who has been out of education or finds lessons difficult to access, the starting point may be short, achievable activities and a carefully paced timetable. Expectations remain high, but tasks, resources and lesson length can be adapted as engagement and confidence develop.
- English, maths and science
- SATs and GCSE support
- Functional Skills English and maths
- EAL support where appropriate
- Confidence, wellbeing and readiness for future learning
SEND, SEMH and EBSA-informed teaching
Some learners need more structure; others need greater flexibility, additional processing time or reduced written demands. Lessons can use visuals, step-by-step scaffolds, short activities and low-pressure ways to demonstrate understanding.
Support is responsive rather than one-size-fits-all. The aim is to create a dependable online learning space in which the learner feels safe, understood and able to make progress without removing appropriate challenge.
Planning, attendance and progress reporting
Provision can be arranged by a parent or carer, school, Local Authority or another professional. The initial conversation identifies the learner’s needs, current education arrangements, safeguarding contacts, agreed outcomes and practical requirements for online sessions.
For commissioned placements, records can include attendance, engagement, learning covered, progress towards agreed outcomes and recommended next steps. Review information can be shared at agreed intervals to support planning and decision-making.
A clear and safe online approach
Sessions follow clear professional boundaries and safeguarding procedures. Carly holds an Enhanced DBS, completes up-to-date safeguarding and relevant continuing professional development, and is fully insured.
Before provision begins, the adults involved agree how sessions will run, who the safeguarding contacts are, how information will be shared and what should happen if a learner is absent or a concern arises.