My Child Has an EHCP and Is in Alternative Provision: What Happens Next?
Updated: Oct 11
If your child has an education, health and care plan (EHCP) and attends alternative provision (AP), ask: where is the child being educated, and is the support written into the plan happening? Moving into AP does not by itself end the EHCP. The local authority maintains the plan and ordinarily secures its specified special educational provision.
This guide describes England's current rules, checked in September 2026. The 2026 SEND reform proposals have not replaced this EHCP process.
Can alternative provision be named in Section I of an EHCP?
Yes, in appropriate circumstances. Section I records the school or other institution, or the type of institution, the child will attend. The Department for Education's alternative provision guide says an AP school may be named as a new placement or alongside another institution as a dual placement, subject to the relevant legal requirements. It also says AP should not be used as a substitute for a special school simply because local specialist places are scarce. AP has a different purpose, and planning should consider reintegration or a sustained next destination.
Check the current final EHCP. What does Section I name? Is AP a short intervention, dual placement, or proposed change? Who commissioned it? An informal arrangement does not automatically rewrite Section I.
Does Section F support continue while a child attends AP?
Section F describes the special educational provision required for the needs in Section B. Under section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014, the local authority must secure that specified provision while it maintains the plan. The SEND Code of Practice, paragraphs 9.131–9.133 explains a limited exception if a parent or young person has made suitable alternative arrangements and the authority has satisfied itself that they are suitable. Attending council-arranged AP is not, on its own, proof of such an arrangement.
Compare Section F with the child's timetable. Note who delivers each item, how often and whether therapies or communication support continue. Ask the council how it secures any missing provision and whether the plan needs review. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman says the council remains accountable even where a school delivers support.
Can I ask for a different school or an earlier review?
Yes, you can raise changed needs and placement concerns with the local authority and ask it to review the plan. EHCPs must be reviewed at least every 12 months, and the SEND Code says a review should be held as soon as possible if needs change so the specified provision remains appropriate. If the council proposes amendments, parents or the young person can request a particular eligible school or institution during the amendment process. The council must consult the relevant institution and apply the statutory rules; a parent's request is significant, but it does not guarantee that any chosen school will be named.
Our annual review guide covers evidence and decisions. Ask for the review timetable and how the council will decide whether to amend Sections I and F.
What should I put in one clear email to the council?
Use a short, dated list of questions, attaching only the most relevant documents:
What is the child's current Section I placement, and what is the legal and practical status of the AP arrangement?
Which Section F provisions are being delivered at AP, by whom and how often? How will any gaps be addressed now?
What are the child's views and the purpose, expected duration and review date of this placement?
Has the council considered an early review and consultation with the school or provision we have identified? When will we receive a written decision?
Who will coordinate education, therapies, attendance and the transition to the next suitable setting?
Hypothetical example: A child attends AP three mornings while Section I still names the previous school. Section F specifies weekly language support, but no one knows when it happens. A parent could ask the council to clarify the placement, secure the support, and review the next destination. This example does not determine suitability for a real child.
If Section F support is not being delivered, see what to record and ask the council.
What if the plan is delayed or support is missing?
Tell the council's SEN team about gaps promptly and keep copies. The Ombudsman can consider complaints about review delays and missed provision, usually after the council's complaint process. Disagreement with the content of a final amended EHCP, including Section F or the named school, generally belongs to the SEND Tribunal. Check appeal deadlines promptly; a complaint does not itself extend them. Local SEND Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offer independent information.
Looking Glass Care can help organise your questions and documents through a free 30-minute consultation or one hour of EHCP and SEND support for £35, with preparation of agreed documents included. Our EHCP Annual Review Evidence Pack (£5.85) can help compare needs, provision and follow-up actions. We offer independent practical support, not legal representation or a guaranteed placement or tribunal result.
Useful resources for this topic
If you would like a practical record to use alongside this article, the resources below explain their scope, format and price. Choose only the material that fits your circumstances; a completed template is a starting point for action and review.
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