For parents and carers
What to actually expect, day to day
Most families come to us mid-crisis, after an exclusion, a long period of non-attendance, or a school placement that's broken down. You don't need to already understand how AP works. This page covers what a placement actually looks like, in specifics, not just reassurance.
A typical day
Exact timings vary slightly by centre. This is the OpenGate Bedfordshire schedule as an example.
8.40am
Arrival
Most students arrive by local authority transport. There's a staffed drop-off point and a settling-in period before registration, so no one is expected to walk straight into a lesson.
9.00am
Registration and check-in
A short one-to-one check-in with a form tutor or key worker, most days. This is where staff pick up early if something's wrong before the day starts.
9.15am–12.00pm
Morning lessons
Core subjects, taught in groups of six to eight. Timetables are individual, so not every student does every subject.
12.00pm–12.45pm
Lunch
Hot lunch is provided on site and is free for all students, regardless of pupil premium status. Lunch is staffed and structured, not an unsupervised break.
12.45pm–2.45pm
Afternoon sessions
Vocational, therapeutic or mentoring sessions, depending on the centre and the student's plan.
3.00pm–3.15pm
Departure
A short end-of-day check-in, then transport or pickup. Parents get a same-day message if something significant happened.
Before your child starts
- 01
A referral comes to us from your child's school or the local authority. You'll usually be involved in that conversation before it reaches us.
- 02
We arrange a visit for you and your child, together, before we confirm the place. We don't accept placements sight unseen.
- 03
A start date is agreed, along with transport, uniform and any specific support needs: allergies, medication, EHCP provisions.
- 04
Your child starts, usually within two to three weeks of referral, sometimes faster where there's urgency.
While they're with us
Your named contact
Every family has a key worker, usually your child's form tutor or learning mentor, as a direct point of contact, not a general office line.
Regular contact
A weekly update on attendance and behaviour, plus a formal progress review at least every half-term.
Working towards a next step
You'll be part of every conversation about what comes after your child's time with us: a return to mainstream, a specialist placement, or a post-16 route.
Common questions
Still have a question?
Get in touch and we'll put you in contact with the right centre directly.