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Non-school Alternative Provision: Voluntary National Standards

Non-school alternative provision: voluntary national standards

The Department for Education (DfE)'s non-statutory standards for non-school alternative provision (also known as unregistered alternative provision)

This document sets out DfE's non-statutory national standards and accompanying guidance for non-school alternative provisions.

The standards are intended to:

  • inform the local oversight and commissioning of non-school alternative provision 
  • set clear and consistent requirements for providers

Until the standards become mandatory, the government and DfE encourages local authorities to adopt them voluntarily to support and improve current practice 

Published 31 August 2025

Please visit the DfE's website for the full document:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-school-alternative-provision-voluntary-national-standards



Non-school alternative provision: voluntary national standards

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Headteacher

Been having first aid training for 13 years. This was the best one I've attended. Far more informative and covered more likely scenarios that would happen in the school setting

Secondary School

Chris

Teacher

Fantastic safeguarding training session today to stay abreast of new guidance to keep our children safe in the North East. Highly valuable and recommended!

Primary School

Naomi

Head of Year

This evening's safeguarding refresher training was fantastic. Engaging and relevant. The delivery was superb and made a huge difference

Primary School

Jamie

Acting Assistant Head

Just want to say a massive thank you for the training delivered last night! The trainer was amazing, very clear, professional and excellent pace! We loved how the presentation was on what is happening in the world today with social media too!

Secondary School

Barbara

Headteacher

I cannot recommend Clennell Education Solutions highly enough. Our safeguarding consultant is always on hand, whether by email, telephone or face to face, offering knowledgeable advice and reassurance with any issues or concerns. The dashboard is an invaluable resource for keeping up to date with the latest safeguarding information, and the training is informative, practical and consistently well received by our staff. A reliable, approachable and professional service that helps us keep safeguarding at the heart of everything we do.

Nursery School

Jon

Headteacher

Clennell Education Solutions provided a professional, supportive and efficient service when assisting us with a sensitive complaint. Tracey handled the process with professionalism and care, keeping us informed throughout and ensuring the matter was dealt with in a timely manner. We would highly recommend their services

Nursery

Headteacher

Headteacher

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