The Alternative Education (AE) policy aims to cater for the needs and rights of students aged 13 to 15 years who have become alienated from 'mainstream' schooling. Students may fall into this category for a number of different reasons. Some students are habitual truants, while others are behaviourally challenging and are consequently excluded from school. The AE policy aims to provide a constructive alternative delivery of education for these students.
Some students do fall out of the system, and Alternative Education is designed as the last resort in a range of responses to ensure that all students engage with education.
Target student group – verified students
The target group is "young people aged 13 to 15 who are outside of and alienated from the education system". These students will have one or more of the following characteristics:
have been out of school for two terms or more
have a history of multiple exclusions
were referred to The Correspondence School as a last resort and have dropped out
have been absent for at least half of the last 20 weeks, for reasons other than illness and the absence has meant that they are unable to maintain a mainstream programme OR
have been suspended or excluded and at risk of further suspensions / exclusions.
If using either of the last two criteria, verification of students would be determined by a case management team. This team would include the school, other agencies involved with the student, the AE coordinator, the student, and an advocate for the young person, for example parent or guardian. We would suggest that a board of trustees disciplinary meeting may not be the most appropriate meeting for a case conference.
Non-verified students
As a general rule, Alternative Education programmes are not an option for schools and students looking solutions to educational issues when students do not meet the verification criteria of the Alternative Education Policy. However, there may be exceptions to this where places are available in AE programmes. Schools are able to use up to 20 percent of their allocated places for non-verified students. This should not disadvantage students who meet the verification criteria, and be used only if places are available.
Non-verified students must be within the age criteria for AE, that is they are between 13–15 years.
In extreme situations 13 year olds in year 8 may be placed short term in AE, however an IEP (individual education programme) and agreed transition plan to reintegrate the student into high school (year 9) is essential.
Successful outcomes
AE is education in a different setting and style. It is not an alternative to education. Each student is entitled to educational achievement.
The ideal outcome for AE students is a successful return to mainstream education, either at a school or tertiary education. Engagement in the AE programme itself may be an excellent first outcome that may assist in changing the student's perception of themselves as learners. If a return to mainstream schooling is not achievable, students may go on from the AE programme once they have attained increased confidence and skills to an appropriate community based course, trade programme or other tertiary education, or employment opportunity.
Funding through schools
Alternative Education funding is allocated to schools because there is a requirement in the Education Act 1989 that young people must attend a registered school from their 6th to their 16th birthday. This part of the Education Act should, among other things, ensure that students are taught in a safe place and receive an appropriate curriculum.
Some schools choose to work with a community partner to deliver an educational programme to meet the needs of AE students. The school enrols the students, and maintains oversight, but passes on an appropriate part of the funding to their community party who then provides the alternative education programme. Often community providers are able to meet the needs of these young people, because the partner is part of the young person's ethnic or cultural community, or because the partner is able to use a non-school approach.
Some schools choose to work directly with AE students within the existing school environment to deliver an educational programme which meets the AE students' needs. Advantages of this approach include AE students having access to all school resources, development and support of staff who work with the AE students, and the potential for smooth transitions back into mainstream schooling when a students individual plan identifies that this is in the best interests of the student.
In implementing this policy, the Ministry of Education encourages schools in a district (for example, within a Territorial Local Authority) to work together as a 'consortium'. As schools are not to take more than 10 percent of the funding for a placement for administrative purposes working in a consortium can produce economies of scale.
Note: For guidance on school/community partnerships, refer to the Education Gazette, 27 January 1997, page 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I become an alternative education provider?
The Ministry has funding agreements with schools to provide a number of student places in alternative education programmes, and schools contract with providers. If you are interested in providing an alternative education programme, contact your local secondary school to find out the local school that manages the programme. You may also contact your local Ministry of Education office.
How does a student get into an alternative education programme?
Alternative education is for students who are genuinely alienated from the education system. It is not available for students who want to try a different type of school programme, or for schools who find a student difficult to manage in a mainstream setting. Schools are expected to find other options for students who are at risk of achieving poor outcomes at school.
How do I know that my child is receiving a quality education with an alternative education provider?
Schools are responsible for the quality of learning programmes for all enrolled students, including those who are on an alternative education programme. Schools provide reports to the Ministry of Education that shows that the programmes meet a required standard.
Do all alternative education students need to be enrolled in a school?
Alternative education students are under the age of 16 years. The Education Act states that all students under the age of 16 years must be enrolled in a registered school. They may be enrolled in a school but receive their education at an alternative site.
How long can a student stay in an alternative education programme?
Students can stay on a programme until they are 16 years old. If a student
has not completed their learning goals by their sixteenth birthday, they may
stay on the programme for a little longer. In many cases the student will return
to school when they are able to manage a mainstream programme.
How many student places does the alternative education provide and how are they allocated to schools?
There are currently 1820 student places available. The places were initially allocated to schools using a formula that took into account decile level and the school roll. Since the initial allocation, places have been moved to meet areas of strongest demand.
How often should a school pay a provider?
Schools and providers negotiate their own payment system. The system should allow providers to plan long term spending including employment of staff.
Should a school pay a provider according to students enrolled in a week, or pay for a base number of students?
The system should be negotiated. Paying providers on the basis of students enrolled in any week has most impact for providers with a small number of students. A provider needs a minimum amount of money to pay for staff and other resources and this should be considered in deciding the payment system.
