Safeguarding in Alternative Provision

The Importance of Safeguarding in Quality Alternative Provision (AP)

Delivering high-quality alternative provision (AP) requires a relentless commitment to safeguarding. Pupils attending AP often face additional vulnerabilities, including complex needs, trauma histories, or circumstances that can increase their risk of harm. Ensuring a culture of vigilance, care, and accountability is therefore not optional; it is fundamental.

A robust safeguarding culture protects young people and provides reassurance to parents, carers, commissioners, and referring schools. It underpins trust, supports engagement, and ensures that AP settings meet their moral and legal responsibilities to keep children safe.

Why Safeguarding is Especially Critical in AP

Safeguarding in AP comes with challenges that differ from those in mainstream schools. Learners may spend time in off-site locations, interact with external staff such as vocational trainers or mentors, or display behaviours that make them more vulnerable. Some may be persistently absent, at risk of exclusion, involved in offending behaviour, or on the periphery of exploitation.

Without clearly defined policies, trained staff, and rigorous procedures, opportunities to intervene early or prevent harm can be lost. Effective safeguarding allows pupils to access education safely and confidently, building trust, supporting welfare, and enabling engagement and progress.

A proactive approach not only aligns with statutory guidance but also enhances the quality and credibility of the provision.

Key Safeguarding Considerations for AP Providers

1. Clear Safeguarding Policies: All AP settings should maintain an up-to-date safeguarding policy that reflects current legislation and guidance and is clearly understood by all staff.

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Each setting must appoint a DSL with the expertise and authority to oversee safeguarding and child protection matters effectively.

3. Staff Training: Every staff member—including part-time, temporary, or volunteer personnel—must receive safeguarding and child protection training, with regular updates to maintain awareness.

4. Safer Recruitment Practices: Recruitment processes should include robust safeguarding checks, including enhanced DBS disclosures, references, and verification of suitability to work with children.

5. Individual Risk and Vulnerability Assessments: Safeguarding should take account of each pupil’s unique needs and risks, particularly where there are known vulnerabilities.

6. Information Sharing:

Providers must work closely with other agencies, schools, and local safeguarding partnerships, sharing information securely and appropriately.

7. Whistleblowing Procedures: All staff should know how to report concerns about colleagues or practices that fall below expected safeguarding standards.

8. Off-Site and Lone Working Risk Management: Safeguarding considerations must extend to off-site placements and lone working arrangements. Clear procedures for supervision, communication, and risk assessment are essential, particularly for face-to-face tuition or small group interventions.

Key Legislation and Guidance

AP providers are required to adhere to a range of safeguarding laws and statutory guidance, including:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 – statutory guidance outlining providers’ duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 – guidance for inter-agency cooperation in child protection.

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004 – legal duties to safeguard and promote child welfare.

• Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 – requirements for safeguarding and welfare in independent settings.

• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty) – obligations to prevent individuals being drawn into terrorism.

• Equality Act 2010 – ensuring safeguarding practices do not discriminate against pupils with protected characteristics.

Useful Safeguarding Resources

• KCSIE 2024 – DfE Webpage

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 – DfE Webpage

• NSPCC Safeguarding Resources – NSPCC Website

• Safe Recruitment Guidance – London Safeguarding Children Partnership

• Prevent Duty Guidance – Home Office

Why Safeguarding Should Be Central to Your AP setting

Safeguarding is far more than a regulatory requirement or administrative task; it is the foundation of any high-quality AP setting. Providers that prioritise safeguarding not only protect pupils but also demonstrate credibility, professionalism, and readiness for inspection or commissioning.

Local authorities and commissioners virtually always use safeguarding standards as part of their approval processes and ongoing monitoring, so strong systems from the outset can support inclusion on approved provider lists and build confidence in your service.

Next Steps and Support

If you want to ensure your AP provision is safe, effective, and fully compliant, Benchmarked can support you. Whether it’s a policy audit, staff training review, or independent safeguarding health check, we help you put robust systems in place, giving you confidence and demonstrating to commissioners and inspectors that safeguarding is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Get in touch to discuss how we can help your provision meet and exceed safeguarding expectations, while providing a secure, nurturing environment for every learner.