Alternative Provision vs Resourced Provision
A plain-English guide for schools and parents on the key differences between these two types of specialist support, and how to choose the right setting.
Two types of support, different purposes
If you are trying to find the right support for a pupil who is struggling in mainstream school, you have probably come across two terms: Alternative Provision and resourced provision. They sound similar, but they are designed for different situations.
This guide explains the legal and practical differences. It covers how each is funded, who needs to register, and which pupils each option suits best. It is written for school staff making commissioning decisions and for parents trying to understand the system.
How Alternative Provision and resourced provision are funded
Resourced provision is funded by the local authority through the High Needs Block. The school receives additional money to employ specialist staff and buy specialist equipment. This is separate from the general SEN budget that all schools receive.
Alternative Provision is funded differently depending on how the placement is arranged. Schools can commission independent AP directly from their own budgets, often as early intervention. Local authorities can also fund AP placements, especially after a permanent exclusion or when a pupil has an EHCP that names AP in Section I. In some cases, the cost is shared between the school and the local authority.
The important difference is that resourced provision is a local authority placement with a fixed funding stream, while AP can be commissioned more flexibly — and sometimes more quickly — by the school itself.
Registration and inspection requirements
Resourced provision is part of the mainstream school that hosts it. It does not have a separate registration or inspection regime. When Ofsted inspects the school, the resourced provision is included in the inspection.
Alternative Provision is more varied. A local authority Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) is state-maintained and inspected by Ofsted as a separate setting. An independent AP provider must register with Ofsted if it provides full-time education to five or more pupils of compulsory school age, or to any pupil with an EHCP.
Part-time AP or outreach services may not require full Ofsted registration, but they should still meet quality standards. Schools and local authorities should always check whether an independent AP provider is registered before commissioning a placement.
Which pupils suit each option?
Resourced provision suits pupils who
- Have a specific, identified special educational need such as autism, hearing impairment, or speech and language difficulties
- Can still attend a mainstream school for part of the week
- Need specialist support but also benefit from mainstream inclusion and peer interaction
- Have a stable enough relationship with the school to manage transitions between the unit and mainstream classes
Alternative Provision suits pupils who
- Cannot attend mainstream school because of exclusion, anxiety, or persistent absence
- Have SEMH needs that are not being met in the mainstream setting
- Need a smaller, calmer environment with closer staff relationships
- Require a flexible timetable that can build up gradually as confidence improves
Side-by-side comparison
Setting
Alternative Provision
A separate provider, centre, or outreach service
Resourced Provision
A specialist unit inside a mainstream school
Pupil status
Alternative Provision
Not attending mainstream school
Resourced Provision
On the mainstream school roll
Primary need
Alternative Provision
Barriers to attendance such as exclusion, anxiety, or SEMH
Resourced Provision
Specific SEN such as sensory, communication, or learning needs
Who decides
Alternative Provision
School commission, LA placement, or EHCP naming
Resourced Provision
Local authority placement process
Funding source
Alternative Provision
School budget, local authority, or EHCP funding
Resourced Provision
Local authority High Needs Block
Ofsted registration
Alternative Provision
Required for full-time independent providers
Resourced Provision
Inspected as part of the host school
Curriculum
Alternative Provision
Bespoke programme tailored to the individual pupil
Resourced Provision
Mainstream curriculum with specialist support
Timetable flexibility
Alternative Provision
Often part-time or graduated hours
Resourced Provision
Structured around the school timetable
How Directional CIC fits in
Directional CIC is an independent Alternative Provision provider based in Bedfordshire, working across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We support secondary-age pupils who cannot attend mainstream school — whether because of exclusion, anxiety, or unmet SEMH needs.
We are not a resourced provision unit. We offer a separate, specialist setting with small group sizes, lived-experience mentors, and a calm, structured environment. If a pupil has tried resourced provision and found that the mainstream school setting is still too difficult, or if there is no suitable unit in the area, Alternative Provision with Directional CIC may be the right next step.
We work closely with referring schools and families from the first conversation. Every placement includes a plan for review, progress tracking, and transition.