Written question asked by Graham Stuart (Conservative) on Monday, 23 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 November 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 7 December 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Alternative Curriculum

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps are being taken to ensure that local authorities have information about third sector providers of alternative curriculum provision for excluded children or those at risk of exclusion; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Since the Department published the "Back on Track" White Paper in May 2008, we have carried out a determined programme of work to improve the quality of alternative provision and access to it.In October 2008, we published guidance on commissioning alternative provision, covering how local authorities and schools can identify providers able to meet the needs of pupils who require alternative provision. At the same time, we launched an online directory of alternative providers across England which gives local authorities and schools ready access to information on almost 400 providers. The directory has had approximately 29,700 hits between 1 January 2009 and 23 November 2009.The Department has also run trade fairs for alternative providers across England, giving them the opportunity to inform potential commissioners of their services. We have also established pilots to explore a range of innovative ways of delivering alternative provision, supported by up to £26.5 million over 2008-11. Of these 12 pilots, nine involve third sector providers.

Secondary information