Schools taking part in an “invaluable” government scheme to stop vulnerable pupils in alternative provision (AP) “entering a life of crime” say reduced funding is squeezing their support.
AP specialist taskforces, launched by the DfE in November 2021, provide pupils at participating schools with support from mental health professionals, family workers and speech and language therapists.
The aim of the £15 million two-year pilot across 22 schools was to support young people most at risk of “serious violence or gang exploitation”, and help them to move into further education, employment or training.
The DfE promised to extend funding for the pilot until March 2025, a commitment laid out in its SEND and AP improvement plan earlier this year.
