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Insight: Guide to Setting Up a Non-School AP

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Non-school Alternative Provision (AP) offers tailored education for children and young people who cannot attend mainstream school. Whether due to exclusion, medical needs, or other vulnerabilities, AP settings play a vital role in ensuring every learner receives a quality education.

Setting up a non-school AP requires careful planning, compliance with safeguarding and health standards, and a clear educational vision. This guide outlines the key steps and how JMC Education can support you throughout the process.

Step 1: Define the Vision for your Non-school AP and Learner Needs

  • Identify the target group (e.g. excluded pupils, SEND learners, therapeutic needs)
  • Decide on the type of provision: full-time, part-time, vocational, therapeutic, etc.
  • Clarify your educational goals and outcomes

JMC can help you shape your vision and match it to curriculum and staffing models.

Step 2: Understand Legal and Regulatory Requirements

  • Determine if your provision meets the threshold for registration as an independent school
  • Review the DfE’s Voluntary National Standards for non-school AP
  • Engage with your local authority for referrals and oversight

JMC provides expert guidance on DfE registration, avoiding compliance pitfalls, and liaising with local authorities.

Step 3: Secure Suitable Premises for your Non-school AP

  • Ensure the site is safe, accessible, and fit for purpose
  • Conduct health and safety audits and risk assessments
  • Plan for emergency procedures and daily checks

JMC offers premises audits and health & safety compliance support.

Step 4: Develop Policies and Procedures

  • Safeguarding and child protection
  • Admissions and referral processes
  • Behaviour management and reintegration
  • Complaints, attendance, and welfare

JMC can support you developing policies aligned with DfE standards.

Step 5: Design Your Curriculum and Staffing Model

  • Build a curriculum that meets learners’ academic and personal development needs
  • Include core subjects, vocational options, and enrichment
  • Recruit qualified staff and provide ongoing CPD

JMC helps design bespoke curriculum frameworks and advises on staffing structures.

Step 6: Prepare for Quality Assurance and Inspection

  • Monitor teaching quality and learner progress
  • Conduct internal reviews and mock inspections
  • Align with Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework (EIF)

JMC offers inspection readiness services led by former HMI and experienced school leaders.

Step 7: Launch and Sustain Your Provision

  • Engage stakeholders and build community partnerships
  • Monitor impact and adapt as needed
  • Plan for long-term sustainability and growth

JMC supports strategic planning, governance, and ongoing consultancy to ensure success.

Why Choose JMC Education?

  • Proven expertise in AP, SEND, and independent school setup
  • Access to experienced consultants and inspectors
  • Tailored support packages from concept to launch
  • Free initial consultation to explore your ideas

Get Started Today : Book a free strategy call

Book a free consultation

📧 Email us at enquiries@jmcinset.com

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