Alternative Complementary Education (ACE)

Alternative Complementary Education (ACE) refers to alternative educational provision that is complementary to mainstream schooling.

It caters to children who are unable to attend mainstream education full-time due to reasons like illness, exclusion, school refusal, teenage pregnancy etc.

The aims are to supplement mainstream learning, address barriers to education, and provide support so students can transition back into school successfully. Provision includes part-time education programs, home tutoring, online learning, personalised learning plans, therapy, vocational training and more.

Settings include dedicated ACE centres, community spaces, online platforms as well as the student's home. ACE works as a flexible, tailored form of education to meet specific student needs and circumstances outside mainstream schooling.

What is the Alternative provision framework?

The alternative provision framework is a list of education providers that are able to offer provision for young people in Plymouth schools. 

This list includes the following types of providers:

Subject to Ofsted inspection:

• Schools who have a support offer that other schools can purchase
• Post-16 providers

Not subject to Ofsted inspection:

• Non-registered providers
• Providers of online learning
• Tutors

Locations that are are part of the Alternative Provision Framework

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Plymouth's Local Offer

The Plymouth's Local Offer explains the support and services that are available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0 to 25 years.