Online Alternative Provision and Ofsted: A complete guide
With Ofsted’s updated Education Inspection Framework in November 2025, schools face new expectations for how alternative provision is commissioned, monitored and evidenced. Online Alternative Provision and Ofsted: A Complete Guide has been updated to reflect these changes and provide a clear, practical resource for schools using online AP. The guide explains how schools can demonstrate the quality and impact of their placements, showing inspectors that students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Academy21, we are your partner in this process. We have extensive experience supporting schools during inspections and regularly take calls from Ofsted inspectors. Based on this insight and experience, we produced this guide to help schools understand the revised framework, the new evaluation areas, and what inspectors will look for when reviewing alternative provision. It draws on practical examples from our work with schools, ensuring leaders can confidently evidence impact, engagement, and safeguarding.
The guide covers the key areas inspectors focus on under the new framework, including the planning and commissioning of placements, monitoring attendance and engagement, evaluating progress, ensuring high-quality teaching, safeguarding, and supporting reintegration or next steps for pupils. It also explains how accredited online AP can help schools meet these requirements and demonstrates the value of clear, robust systems for evidence and oversight.
Download the guide to see exactly what to expect from inspections and how Academy21 can support your school every step of the way.
