The Manchester AP Directory 2010 is being upgraded

The new version will be available from this site in September 2012

As part of the White paper "Back on Track".  A strategy for modernising alternative education DCSF requested 14 - 19 providers to register with them on the National Alternative providers data base this can be accessed at (http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/alternativeprovision/database).

Locally Manchester Children's Services has complied a list of local Alternative Providers "The Manchester Directory of Alternative Provision" for providers involved in the full time and part time education programmes of young people aged 11 - 19.

This information is available is available to schools and services through the website.

 Link to Guidance Handbook for Schools

The Manchester Directory of Alternative Providers has been complied over the last academic year (September 2009 - July 2010). Providers that appear in the directory have given information and examples of their business arrangements, policies, practices, learning opportunities and expected outcomes. This process has provided the local authority with an indication of the quality of what might be provided and supported providers ensuring that each organisation has the necessary documentation, training and procedures in place. 

The providers:

• Have gone through the application process and meet certain standards of good practice
• Own a portfolio of evidence to share with schools and services
• Are prepared to work in collaboration with schools and services within a citywide agreed quality framework

However, at the point at which a school chooses to engage one of these providers for a young person it is their responsibility to make their own checks and decisions about the quality and safety of the current practices in place in each organisation.

The Local authority has provided a handbook for use by schools and providers which gives more detail and guidance about the checks and arrangements which should be in place before agreeing a placement for a young person.

Please note that the Directory application process is a separate application process from OFSTED Registration as an independent school.

There are guidelines for schools and Local Authorities to use when commissioning any alternative provision which can be found at Procurement and Supplier Management.