Alternative provision (AP) in England plays a vital role in supporting students who, for various reasons, are unable to thrive in mainstream education. TLC LIVE Online Tutoring is proud to contribute to this essential sector, providing tailored, flexible, and high-quality educational support that aligns with the three-tier AP framework while addressing unregistered AP concerns. Here’s an insight into how TLC LIVE works within this space and our four-step process to help students reintegrate into mainstream school.
Understanding alternative provision in England
AP is designed to meet the needs of students who cannot attend mainstream school, often due to behavioural challenges, medical conditions, or other complex needs. The three tiers of AP in England provide a structured approach:
- Tier 1 – Targeted support in school: Support for students to quickly re-engage with learning while addressing immediate barriers to mainstream schooling and focus on staying in school.
- Tier 2 – Time-limited placements: More sustained support, often focusing on addressing underlying issues such as mental health or academic gaps with the expectation of re-engaging into mainstream school.
- Tier 3 – Transitional placements: Placements in Registered AP with a longer term plan to a new school or post 16 destination.
TLC LIVE’s approach to re-engaging students
At TLC LIVE, we have developed a structured four-step process to support students in AP and guide them toward successful reintegration into mainstream schooling.
Step 1: Assessment and understanding
We begin with a detailed assessment to understand the student’s academic level, needs, and challenges. This personalised approach allows us to identify gaps in knowledge and tailor learning plans accordingly.
Step 2: Building engagement
Our online sessions are designed to be interactive, supportive, and enjoyable. Qualified teachers work closely with students to rebuild confidence in learning, ensuring they feel valued and capable.
Step 3: Transition onto site
Once students are engaged, we recommend a process of moving the students’ lessons to take place on the school site. Often leaving the house and the process of getting ready to attend school can be a big deal for students and needs to be managed to limit knocking a students confidence.
Step 4: Transition support
The final stage is about rejoining mainstream lessons and we recommend continued academic support to ensure that a student is still able to engage with class content. This can take the form of gap filling or pre-learning, to expose students to ideas or topics that will be coming up in future lessons.
Why TLC LIVE stands out in alternative provision
Tailored, flexible learning
Our online tutoring is entirely customisable, catering to individual needs and schedules. This flexibility is ideal for students in short-term or medium-term AP who may have irregular availability.
Qualified, experienced teachers
Our tutors hold QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), ensuring they have the skills and experience to handle complex educational needs.
Safeguarding and accountability
TLC LIVE has clear processes and policies around safeguarding to ensure that Parents and schools can rest assured that students are learning in a safe, regulated environment.
Supporting long-term AP needs
For students requiring sustained support, we provide a consistent, nurturing environment where they can continue their education, helping them to achieve meaningful qualifications such as Functional Skills or GCSEs.
Transforming lives through education
TLC LIVE Online Tutoring is committed to making a difference in the lives of students in alternative provision. By combining our four-step re-engagement process with the principles of the three-tier AP framework, we provide students with a clear pathway to success — whether that’s reintegration into mainstream school or achieving qualifications that open doors to the future.
If you’re a parent, school, or local authority looking for trusted online tutoring in alternative provision, contact TLC LIVE today to learn how we can support your students’ journey.
For more information on how TLC LIVE supports students with online alternative provision, visit our dedicated page.
By Josh Blackburn, Chief Executive Officer, TLC LIVE Online Tutoring