Our SEND and Alternative Provision consultancy supports schools, trusts, and local authorities to design, deliver, and strengthen inclusive practice. We provide independent expertise and practical solutions across the full spectrum of SEND and AP—from strategic planning and commissioning models to classroom practice and individual pathways for learners.
SEND & AP
Big Needs
Focused Support
(clear language)
SEND and Alternative Provision are not optional extras or issues to be addressed later—they are central, complex, and critical to the success of any education system.
Whether you are leading a mainstream school balancing EHCPs and inclusive classroom practice, managing a specialist setting with highly individualised needs, or overseeing a network of AP placements with constantly shifting demands, we provide the expertise and support to help you navigate the challenges with clarity and confidence.
What we can do
Strategic SEND
Development
LA & MAT Strategic AP & SEND Support
Looking to develop or review provision across your trust or local authority? We work in partnership with leaders to evaluate existing practice, identify gaps, and design coherent, joined-up approaches that strengthen inclusion and improve outcomes for children and young people.
SEND Reviews
A rigorous review of how effectively your SEND provision is working in practice. We examine plans, support strategies, inclusion, data, outcomes, and staff expertise—with a clear focus on the most important measure of all: impact on children and young people.
SEND Strategy & Policy Development
Need support in shaping a SEND strategy across your school, trust, or local authority? We work with leaders to develop strategies that are clear, purposeful, and compliant—documents that are practical to implement, aligned with statutory requirements, and genuinely useful in driving improvement.
EHCP
Casework
& Reviews
EHCP Audit & Annual Review Support
We review the quality and consistency of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), support preparation for annual reviews, and provide practical solutions to reduce administrative burden—ensuring processes are efficient, compliant, and focused on improving outcomes for pupils.
Targeted Pupil Casework Support
For complex cases that do not fit standard processes, we provide expert support to navigate placements, multi-agency meetings, and communication with parents and carers. Our approach is calm, professional, and solutions-focused—ensuring challenges are managed with clarity and confidence.
Want to explore what support could look like for your setting?
Staff &
Curriculum
Support
Support for SENCOs & AP Leads
We provide coaching, mentoring, and professional supervision for the key leaders of inclusion—SENCOs and Alternative Provision leaders. Our role is that of a trusted critical friend, offering challenge, guidance, and reassurance underpinned by a deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and the realities of leadership.
Inclusive Curriculum & Provision Development
We support schools in designing and delivering curricula that meet the needs of all learners—including those with additional needs, diverse learning profiles, and pupils who require more flexible approaches to thrive. Our focus is on creating inclusive, responsive curriculum models that are ambitious, accessible, and effective in practice.
Data, Outcomes & Provision Mapping Support
Demonstrating progress for the most complex learners can be challenging. We support schools in developing meaningful approaches to assessment and tracking—helping you interpret data, evidence progress effectively, and manage provision mapping with clarity and confidence.
Alternative Provision
Oversight
& Innovation
AP Quality & Oversight Reviews
Whether you are commissioning placements or managing your own Alternative Provision, we provide independent evaluation of safeguarding, curriculum, attendance, outcomes, and overall impact. Our approach is transparent and evidence-based—offering a clear, objective view of strengths and areas for development to support improvement and assurance.
Support for Unregistered Alternative Provisions
If you are operating Alternative Provision that may fall below the radar, we can provide clear, independent advice. We help you determine whether registration is required and ensure that safeguarding, curriculum, and governance arrangements meet statutory expectations. While we are not regulators, we understand the requirements and can help you prepare with confidence should external scrutiny arise.
Setting Up Internal AP
Considering developing your own in-house Alternative Provision unit? Done well, it can be highly effective in meeting pupil needs. We provide expert guidance to design provision that is purposeful, safe, inclusive, and fully compliant. From physical environment and referral processes to curriculum design, staffing structures, and quality assurance, we support you at every stage to create provision that works in practice and withstands scrutiny.
Setting Up an Independent School
Opening a new school is an ambitious and exciting challenge. Whether you are establishing a specialist setting, therapeutic provision, or an entirely new model of education, we provide expert support throughout the process. From navigating the DfE application, preparing policies, and designing a fit-for-purpose curriculum to ensuring you are ready for the pre-registration visit, we guide you step by step to build strong, compliant, and sustainable foundations.
Frequently asked
questions
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We work across mainstream, special, and AP settings. Whether you’re a tiny rural primary or a multi-academy trust, we can tailor support to your context.
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Absolutely. We’ll help you build from scratch or refine what you’ve got—with clarity, strategy, and a healthy respect for your workload.
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We offer pupil-level casework support—short, sharp, expert help. You don’t need to commit to a full review to get value from us.
Let’s Talk
SEND & AP
SEND and Alternative Provision work is complex, challenging, and often under-recognised. We understand the pressures leaders and practitioners face, and we are here to provide the expertise, capacity, and guidance to help you deliver it with confidence and impact.
Get in touch to explore how we can work with you to build provision that makes a real difference—for pupils, for staff, and for the long-term sustainability of your setting.