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Download our Ofsted Ready Alternative Provision Checklist

Be prepared! Find out what every school senior leader needs to know about their school's use of alternative provision for the new Ofsted Inspection Framework 
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  • Plymouth City Council
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In Partnership with Schools

At Next Steps we believe in giving every student an equal opportunity in education by reducing all and any barriers to learning.

The majority of students we work with have social, emotional or mental health needs. This could be Emotionally Based School Avoidance, eating disorders, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, self-harm or any other mental health need.

We meet students where they need us to start, whether that's in their home, online, in a community setting or within school SEND support rooms.

Some of our students are at risk of exclusion or have low attendance that disrupts their learning. Next Steps works with schools to  address missed core curriculum lessons or support students with mentoring.

Many of our students are supported through EHCP Plans and budgets. We offer targeted tuition to assess and fill gaps in learning.

Outside Next Steps Home Room
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Ellie Watson, The Park School

We at The Park Community School have had the privilege of working closely with Liz and Sarah, the founders of Next Steps Education, over the past year. Their support has made a significant and positive impact on our students, particularly those requiring additional assistance with GCSE preparation, academic mentoring, SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) intervention, and reintegration into school.

Next Steps Education has consistently exceeded expectations in every aspect of our partnership.

Delivering on quality

  • Next Steps Education meets the DfE Voluntary National Standards for Non-school Alternative Provisions, including:
  • Robust safeguarding procedures
  • Attendance data & compliance 
  • Strong communications
  • Measurable data
  • Six-weekly reviews & post session reports
Next Steps Education Awards

FAQs

All of your Senior Leadership Team. Use of alternative provision is considered in every aspect of the new Ofsted framework.

Robust quality assurance, a good understanding of AP options and evidence of informed decision-making around use of AP are key. For the full list, download our form.

Yes! We'll be opening registration for our "Are You Ofsted Ready?" forum soon.  The forum's on the 29th January and is open to all staff in current and prospective schools.

Get Ready for Ofsted

Get prepared for questions about alternative provision