Feedback on the alternative education provision for West Northamptonshire

Overview

We are asking for feedback from parents and carers in West Northamptonshire to shape a framework for unregistered alternative education provisions. Your input will help improve these settings and ensure they meet children's needs.

Further detail

What is unregistered alternative education provision?

Unregistered alternative education provision refers to settings that are not officially recognised as schools but still provide education. They support children who need a different learning approach due to health, emotional, or other challenges.

Since these settings are not registered, they lack the regulations of traditional schools, highlighting the need for guidance, careful planning and monitoring. 

What we are doing and why

The council is creating a framework to ensure alternative education provisions are safe, effective, and meet children's needs. We are working with providers, schools, and young people and want parents and carers to share their views. These insights will help shape an inclusive and responsive framework.

What happens next

The framework will set clear standards for safety, education, and quality. Providers will be reviewed and approved by a panel to ensure they meet these standards. An approved directory of providers will guide future decisions, and ongoing monitoring will ensure compliance.

The framework is scheduled for launch in 2026.

This survey closes midnight Sunday 20 July 2025.

How to provide your views

You can provide your views by completing the online questionnaire using the link below.

For information about how your responses are managed, please see the West Northamptonshire consultation and engagement privacy notice.

If you need help with the questionnaire or would like it in another format, please email educationcommissioning@westnorthants.gov.uk