What does “non-regulated” or “non-school” alternative provision mean?

At FIIT Learning in Croydon, we treat it as a serious responsibility. We follow current DfE expectations for non-school alternative provision and unregistered schools, while giving young people a flexible, tailored offer that helps them move forward.

Non-regulated or non-school alternative provision describes a setting that supports pupils without needing to register as a school. Registration is usually required when a provider gives full-time education to several pupils of compulsory school age, or to at least one child with an EHCP or who is looked after, as their main place of education.

FIIT Learning sits outside that definition. We offer part-time and time-limited placements. Pupils stay on roll at their home school, and we work alongside that school to support re-engagement, core learning and personal development.

If you work in a school or local authority, you know that some pupils need something different for a while. They may need a smaller space, a calmer pace, or a fresh set of adults who can help them reset. FIIT Learning uses the non-school AP model so we can be that “somewhere different” without breaking the link with the main school. This means we can agree flexible hours, fit around exam classes or therapeutic work, and shape short placements as part of a wider plan rather than as a separate route. Our role is to support you, not to replace you.

Compliance sits at the centre of how we work. We assume that Ofsted, a commissioner or a safeguarding partner could walk through the door at any time, and we plan accordingly. We have a named Designated Safeguarding Lead and trained deputies. We follow safer recruitment practices and hold a single central record.

Our safeguarding and child protection policy reflects current guidance and local procedures, and all staff receive regular training, including online safety and low-level concerns. We keep clear records of any worries about a child and we know how and when to share information with schools and other agencies. When you place a pupil with us, you can see exactly how we keep them safe.

Teaching and learning at FIIT Learning is purposeful and structured. We do not see ourselves as a holding bay or somewhere pupils “mark time”. We offer planned teaching in English, maths and digital skills, linked to national expectations. We also design FIIT “passion projects” that connect learning to real interests and possible future pathways, so pupils can remember why learning matters. Where suitable, we support learners to gain accreditation, for example through functional skills or unit-based awards. Our staff plan, teach and assess in a way that allows you to see what has been taught, what progress has been made and what still needs work.

Many of the young people referred to us have special educational needs or emerging needs that are still being assessed. We read EHCPs, support plans and professional reports. We agree reasonable adjustments and regulation plans with the school and, where appropriate, with families. We adapt teaching for attention, sensory and communication needs and for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. When invited, we contribute to reviews and meetings so that our work forms part of a joined-up approach.

You keep statutory responsibility for SEND, and we act as a genuine partner within that framework.

Relationships and wellbeing are central to what we do. You want pupils to return to you more regulated, more hopeful and more ready to learn. We create predictable routines at the start, during and end of the day so pupils feel safe and know what to expect. Staff use relational practice and trauma-aware responses to behaviour. We build mentoring and coaching into the week, helping pupils notice their own patterns, triggers and choices. When things go wrong, we use restorative conversations to repair relationships and learn from incidents. We hold clear boundaries, but always keep sight of the person behind the behaviour.

Attendance and commissioning arrangements are clear and transparent. For each pupil, we agree a written timetable with the school and family. We record attendance for every session and share this with the home school, so your registers remain accurate. We set clear start dates, review points and intended outcomes for each placement. Responsibilities sit within a written agreement or service level agreement, so everybody knows who does what. You stay in control of statutory duties, while we make it simple to meet the expectations for working with non-school AP.

Our premises and health-and-safety arrangements match what you would expect in a school environment. The centre in Croydon provides calm, supervised teaching and mentoring spaces. We hold risk assessments for the building, for fire safety and for day-to-day activities. We have first aid cover and accident reporting systems. Visitors and contractors are checked and supervised as needed. Off-site activities are planned and risk assessed. You are welcome to visit, see sessions in action, review our documentation and meet the team.

When you commission FIIT Learning, you receive a full due diligence pack, including safeguarding information, key policies and insurance details. You see curriculum outlines and sample programmes. You have a named contact for day-to-day communication. You receive regular written updates on attendance, engagement and progress, and you can request learning walks or more detailed reviews just as you would with any other key partner.

You might have a pupil who is at risk of exclusion, who feels unable to attend the main site, who is returning after a long absence, or who needs a smaller and more personal setting for a short period. FIIT Learning exists to support pupils like this. If you would like to talk through a possible placement, check our compliance against current DfE guidance, or visit the centre, you can contact the FIIT Learning team to arrange a call or visit.

You deserve non-school alternative provision that is safe, lawful and well organised in every area. Your pupils deserve a place where they can reset, rebuild confidence and move towards their next step with a stronger sense of who they are and what is possible. FIIT Learning is committed to providing exactly that.