Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal
Abstract
This opinion piece argues that Alternative Provision (AP) in England is failing to meet the needs of vulnerable young people due to inconsistent staffing, inadequate specialist training, and the normalisation of low educational expectations. Although some AP settings demonstrate high aspirations and committed practice, the sector as a whole remains marked by variability and a lack of coherent pedagogical structure. Drawing on research into educational inequality, emotional labour, ethics of care, and professional identity, the paper contends that systemic reform is urgently required. Recommended actions include mandatory specialist training for AP staff, national standards for curriculum and pedagogy, stronger accountability mechanisms, and investment in collaborative professional communities. Ultimately, vulnerable learners deserve more than containment or supervision; they require competent, responsive, and dignified education that supports their potential rather than reproducing existing inequalities.
Recommended Citation
Mulligan, Helen V.
(2026)
"Between care and competence: Rethinking Alternative Provision.,"
Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal: Vol. 4:
Iss.
4, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70156/2634-8594.1018
Available at:
https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/pieoj/vol4/iss4/7
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