Event Summary

With the Schools White Paper expected in early 2026 and new statutory guidance that came into force in August 2025, how can Alternative Provision (AP) strengthen accountability, improve safeguarding, and deliver high-quality pathways for children and young people who require education outside mainstream settings?

Join Westminster Insight’s popular Alternative Provision Conference in Manchester for essential updates on policy developments, from the forthcoming Schools White Paper to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and understand the implications for both registered and unregistered AP.

The Department for Education’s updated statutory guidance sets out strengthened expectations for how AP placements should be commissioned, monitored, and recorded. Hear from school leaders and sector experts on the enhanced duty for schools and commissioners to evidence every AP placement, ensuring decisions are needs-led, time-bound, and supported by a robust plan for reintegration or progression.

Gain insights from the recent DfE research on the use of the “Other” code in AP placement reasons, highlighting the diverse and often complex factors driving referrals. Learn how to ensure transparent recording, adopt an early-intervention model, and embed partnership working to promote consistent and appropriate use of AP across different regions.

Through practical case studies, policy analysis, and provider perspectives, trailblazing leaders will share how they are embedding quality assurance, strengthening commissioning, and ensuring all AP, registered or unregistered, meets statutory, safeguarding, and educational expectations. We will spotlight effective commissioning frameworks, approaches to supporting varying levels of SEND and SEMH needs, and how to align practice with national standards.

Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to network with peers, share best practice, and prepare for forthcoming changes, supporting high-quality, evidence-based decision-making for every pupil placed in Alternative Provision.

Key Points

• Preparing for the impact of the Schools White Paper and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to AP
• What next for reforms and how will they reshape AP?
• Strengthen accountability and safeguarding through evidence-led placement decisions
• Robust reintegration planning: AP as a short-term destination
• Improving oversight of registered and unregistered AP
• Decoding the DfE’s “Other” placement reason recommendations: exploring the real drivers behind AP referrals and how to ensure transparent, consistent recording
• Embedding early intervention and partnership working to reduce inappropriate AP use and support better outcomes
• Improving commissioning and quality assurance, with practical strategies for meeting SEND, SEMH and safeguarding needs

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Group discounts

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