The Solihull Single Panel for Local Authority Commissioned Alternative Provision (AP)

We’ve listened to what schools have been saying and are introducing The Single Panel for Local Authority Commissioned Alternative Provision (typically referred to as The Single Panel). We’ve spent time working out the decision-making arrangements with education colleagues, headteachers, advisory teachers, Educational Psychologists, alternative providers and colleagues from Health and Social Care.

Alternative Provision (AP) creates additional places for mainstream school leaders and staff to address challenging behaviour earlier and re-engage pupils in education. The national expectation is that AP is an intervention rather than a long-term destination and should be used by schools for short-term placements with a view to re-integrating pupils as soon as possible. 

In Solihull, mainstream schools have asked for decision-making relating to Local Authority arranged AP to be streamlined. 

The new arrangements involve a school making a referral to The Single Panel. The Single Panel has two decisions to make:

1.    is alternative provision required? and, if so

2.    which of the following is the most appropriate intervention:

• Solihull Multi-Academy Trust main site and Daylesford Academy (excluding Saturn and Mercury)
• Refresh
• Triple Crown Centre
• The Elms
• Cedars
• High Needs Pathway
• AV1 robots
• Home tutoring

In deciding that AP is required, the Panel will determine, informed by the school referral, the expected outcomes of the intervention, and the review and monitoring arrangements. It is expected that reviews will take place at least every 6-8 weeks, considering progress of the child towards the agreed outcomes, any amendments required to reflect changing circumstances and what will be required to ensure the child successfully returns to mainstream education or other appropriate educational setting as soon as they are able.

The Single Panel will meet for the first time on 22 February 2024 then every fortnight during term time.

The Single Panel Local Authority commissioned Alternative Provision Offer