Transforming Alternative Provision Services in NWL

LB Hounslow needed a clearer, more effective model for alternative provision to support children with increasingly complex needs and improve pathways back into mainstream education.

With rising demand and inconsistent outcomes, the council asked At Scale to review its alternative provision model, benchmark performance and design a safer, more coherent and value-for-money approach.

We combined data analysis with interviews across providers, schools and young people, mapped service pathways, benchmarked neighbouring authorities and explored national and international best practice to shape a future commissioning model.

We delivered a clear service vision and commissioning model, recommending preventative intervention, stronger risk assessment, improved tracking and coordinated procurement. The council’s role was reframed around championing children, assuring quality and commissioning places. Partners were fully engaged and transformation is now progressing.