Alternative Provision latest from East Sussex

As part of the government’s SEND and AP Change Programme, East Sussex County Council are testing out a lot of initiatives to try and improve SEND services and alternative provision (AP). They are working in a South East Partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council, Portsmouth and West Sussex County Council.

As the trial enters its second year, we asked Jessica Stubbings, Head of Education: Participation and Planning Education Division at East Sussex County Council, to update us on two major strands of the work – the commissioning of a new trust to run their registered alternative provision settings and the development of an Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST).

New AP provider at three East Sussex sites

“Our new Alternative Provider opened on 1 September 2025. The East Sussex Academy offers provision at three sites in Hailsham, Newhaven and Hastings for children who have been permanently excluded from school or those who at risk of permanent exclusion. The East Sussex Academy is part of the London South East Academy Trust (LSEAT) who are also leading the work of the Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce.”

Alternative Provision Specialist Taskforce (APST)

“Work to establish the APST began last academic year and has become more formalised this year, alongside the opening of the three East Sussex Academy sites. The APST is a new team of staff from the local authority and beyond who have been brought together to strengthen the local system of support for children and young people who have been (or are at risk of) permanent exclusion from school. It is coordinated by a Taskforce Manager and draws on specialist input, including educational psychologists, a speech and language therapist, specialist social worker, youth justice, youth worker, employability and post-16 adviser, specialist SENCO, and support from therapeutic services.

“The APST has a whole child approach. They work to understand all the circumstances, strengths and needs of students who are struggling to engage in education then translate this understanding into clear, actionable guidance for professionals working with them. This multidisciplinary approach is intended to help staff teams understand what may be underpinning a pupil’s current difficulties, identify what support is most likely to help, and provide more joined-up, practical support for children and young people in AP settings.

“During this academic year, the focus has been on establishing a clear model of working and beginning direct support to pupils within the settings, including pupils attending full-time and those on dual registration. A particular early priority has been increasing pupils’ engagement with AP, having recognised that many young people may have been accessing very limited timetables. This has been a key area of challenge and development.

“The APST is providing supervision, training and consultation to staff in the AP settings, ensuring they feel equipped and empowered to support students with complex backgrounds. As the APST is still in its early stages, a number of processes continue to be refined; however, the next milestones over the coming terms include co-producing a child-centred reintegration model and ensuring that, where reintegration is not appropriate, there are clear and well-supported onward pathways for children and young people.”

Get the latest information about the SEND and AP Change Programme on East Sussex Local Offer.