What is Alternative Provision (AP)?
Alternative Provision plays an important role in supporting children and young people who are unable to access mainstream education full-time.
Recent Department for Education figures show increases in the number of pupils attending Alternative Provision and specialist settings.
For schools and trusts, this raises practical questions about how spaces are planned, adapted and used throughout the day, particularly where children need support with regulation, focus, confidence and engagement.
“When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
Alexander Den Heijer
The need of supportive environments is growing
Latest figures from the Department for Education:
+20%
Increase in Pupils Attending State-Funded AP Schools
The number of pupils in state-funded AP schools increased by 20% to almost 15,900 pupils in 2024, returning to levels seen before the pandemic.
26,400
Pupils Receiving School-Arranged Alternative Provision
There were 26,400 pupils in school-arranged AP in January 2024.
The most common reason for placement was off-site provision for behavioural support, accounting for 55.3% of placements.
157,000
Pupils Attending Special Schools
The number of pupils attending special schools increased by 5% to 157,000, continuing a trend of rising demand for specialist educational provision.
Why Learning Environments Matter
For many pupils, the learning environment is an important part of their day-to-day experience of education.
Factors such as layout, noise levels, lighting, access to quiet spaces and opportunities for different activities can all influence how a space is used and experienced.
Alternative Provision settings often support children and young people with a wide range of needs and backgrounds. As a result, many environments are designed to provide a balance between structure, flexibility and opportunities for both collaboration and independent learning.
As schools continue to adapt provision to meet changing needs, the design and use of learning environments remains an important consideration for many settings.
Considerations for Alternative Provision Spaces
Predictability
Clear layouts and consistent routines can help reduce uncertainty and support confidence.
Sensory Considerations
Lighting, acoustics and visual clutter can influence how pupils experience a space.
Flexibility
Adaptable spaces can support a range of activities, learning styles and group sizes.
Belonging
Learning environments should help pupils feel welcomed, respected and included.
Learning Environments in Practice
While AP settings vary considerably, many include a range of spaces to support different activities, levels of support and ways of working throughout the school day. Examples may include retreat spaces, small-group teaching areas and environments designed for independent learning.
Retreat Space
Small-Group Learning
Independent Learning
Funding Routes to Explore
High Needs Funding (2026-2027 Process)
Used to support provision for children and young people with additional educational needs.
Capital Funding / CIF
For eligible schools planning building improvement, condition or expansion projects.
Local Authority or Trust Investment
Dependent on local priorities, estate strategies and specialist provision needs.