Non-School Alternative Provision
Player Ready: Non‑School Alternative Provision (AP) – Cornwall – Devon – Hampshire – Somerset – UK
We deliver high‑impact, non‑school alternative provision for children and young people who need education and therapeutic support beyond the mainstream classroom. Our programmes are offered online (UK‑wide) and in‑venue across the South West & South East, with clear pathways for Post‑16 learners.
What “non‑school AP” means
“Non‑school AP” refers to provision delivered by organisations outside a school’s roll, commissioned by Local Authorities (LAs) or schools to meet a child’s educational needs. Player Ready meets the latest national expectations for commissioning, safeguarding, quality and impact. If you’re commissioning placements or short‑term interventions, this page shows exactly how we align to those standards.
Who it’s for
- CYP aged 7–19 (and 19–25+ with EHCPs) who need tailored, small‑group or 1:1 provision
- Autistic, ADHD, PDA profiles; anxiety or trauma‑informed support needs
- Short‑term re‑engagement, long‑term pathways, or blended provision with school
What we offer
- Online 1:1 mentoring & tuition (UK‑wide) and small groups with structured curriculum
- In‑venue AP at our hubs (Truro, Exeter, Taunton, Portsmouth, Plymouth)
- Digital & creative curriculum: Minecraft/Roblox modding, game design (Unity/Unreal), 3D design, media production, computing & employability
- Post‑16 pathways with project‑based learning, entrepreneurship, work‑readiness and awards
- Qualifications: AQA Unit Awards; NOCN Entry Level (adding from Sept 2025, subject to centre approvals)
Explore our Curriculum, our AQA Unit Award Centre, and Post‑16 Provision.
How we meet national standards
Commissioners need clarity. Here’s a simple mapping of what we do against typical non‑school AP standards and commissioning expectations.
| Requirement | Player Ready – What you can expect | Evidence / Link |
|---|---|---|
| Safeguarding & KCSIE compliance; DSL in place | Designated Safeguarding Leads at venue level; safer recruitment; staff induction; concern reporting & escalation | LA Approval & Oversight |
| Quality of education & curriculum planning | Individual learning plans, structured progression, clear outcomes; EHCP alignment where applicable | Curriculum |
| Attendance, engagement & reporting | Session‑level tracking, half‑termly reports; rapid communication on risk/attendance changes | Reports provided each half‑term |
| Health & Safety / risk management | Venue risk assessments, online safety, equipment checks; staff training & supervision | Policy pack available to commissioners |
| Data protection (UK GDPR); consent & media | Clear consent processes; secure systems; controlled access to CYP data | Available on request |
| Qualifications & progression | AQA Unit Awards; NOCN Entry Level (adding from Sept 2025, subject to approvals); routes to FE, training & work | AQA Centre |
We are registered on the OFSTED Voluntary Childcare Register (for Clubs), and all provision is delivered in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and LA policies.
Commissioning & QA
- Referral – send details via our referral form.
- Discovery – brief meeting to agree starting plan, risk and preferred mode (online / in‑venue / blended).
- Onboarding – ILP, timetable, reporting cadence, named contacts, safeguarding arrangements.
- Delivery & review – session logs, attendance tracking, half‑termly reports; adjust plan based on outcomes.
Need a formal proposal? Request a commissioning pack with pricing, SLAs and policies.
EOTAS vs AP – what’s the difference?
AP placements are usually commissioned by a school or LA to supplement or replace in‑school provision. EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) is a different legal route where the LA arranges education outside school under Section 19. If you’re exploring EOTAS, see our regional pages and guidance.
Learn more about our Local Authority approvals and EOTAS/SEND offer from your area pages.
Impact & outcomes
- Re‑engagement with education through highly motivating, mastery‑based learning
- Improved attendance, routines and self‑regulation
- Progress evidence via ILPs, session notes, project artefacts and awards
- Preparedness for FE, apprenticeships or digital/creative employment pathways
Ready to place a learner or request a proposal?
FAQs
Is non‑school AP the same as “unregistered” AP?
Yes. The terms are often used interchangeably for provision delivered outside a school’s roll. The key is meeting commissioning and safeguarding standards.
How do LAs quality‑assure non‑school AP?
Through due diligence at commissioning, oversight during delivery, and reviews against the national standards and local policies.
How is this different from EOTAS?
EOTAS is a separate legal route where the LA directly arranges education outside school under Section 19. We support both pathways and can advise on the most appropriate route.