Alternative provision is for pupils who can not attend mainstream school for a variety of reasons, such as school exclusion, behaviour issues, short or long-term illness, school refusal or teenage pregnancy. Alternative provision may be in a special school, a pupil referral unit, alternative learning unit in school or provided by the council or with independent specialist providers.

The education authority will arrange to visit a parent thinking about educating their child at home to help them plan the child's education. They will ensure that the child will receive efficient full-time education suitable to their age, ability and any special needs.

Pupil referral units (PRUs) teach children who are not able to attend school and may not otherwise receive suitable education. This could be because they have a short- or long-term illness, have been excluded or are a new starter waiting for a mainstream school place.