Beyond Your AP Walls: Using the AP Quality Toolkit to Forge Effective Partnerships and Secure Quality Commissioning

Alternative Provision rarely operates in a vacuum.  Strong partnerships with mainstream schools, external agencies, and the wider community are often essential for providing holistic support to students. The AP Quality Toolkit dedicates an entire section to this vital aspect: "Partnership Working."  Let's explore how it can be used to enhance your relationships and secure quality commissioning.

Why Partnerships Matter

Expanded Support: Partnerships can bring additional expertise and resources to your AP: mental health services, specialist interventions, work experience opportunities, etc.

Enriched Curriculum: Collaborations lead to a wider range of learning experiences for students, from visits by industry experts to joint projects with mainstream schools.

Successful Transitions: Partnerships with mainstream schools and post-16 providers help smooth transitions for students, ensuring continuity of support.

The Toolkit and Commissioning

Local authorities and other commissioning bodies increasingly look for evidence of effective partnership working when making funding decisions.  The AP Quality Toolkit can help you:

Demonstrate your Value: The toolkit's focus aligns with what commissioners look for – evidence of positive impact on students, strong relationships with stakeholders, and a commitment to collaboration.

Target Your Approach: Using the toolkit to evaluate your existing partnerships can pinpoint areas of strength and highlight potential areas for development. This informs where to focus your efforts when seeking new partnerships or funding.

Practical Applications

Case Studies: Gather evidence of the positive impact of past partnerships. Did a collaboration with a local sports club raise attendance rates? Did working with an employer on mock interviews boost students' confidence? Such success stories are powerful tools for showcasing your value to potential partners and commissioners.

Mapping Your Network: Use the "Partnership Working" area in the toolkit as a framework to audit your current partners. Are there any gaps in provision that a new partnership could fill?

Partnership Success Tips

Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve from a partnership, both for your AP and the partner organisation.

Communication is Key: Establish open and regular communication channels.

Mutual Benefit: Ensure the partnership is valuable to both parties.

The AP Quality Toolkit isn't just about internal improvement. It's a tool for showcasing the quality of your AP, building relationships, and positioning your provision as a valuable asset within the wider educational landscape. By embracing the "Partnership Working" quality area, you'll attract new opportunities and secure the resources you need to give your students the best possible support.

Is your partnership strategy ready for scrutiny?  Let us help you use the AP Quality Toolkit to refine your approach and demonstrate your commitment to collaborative working. Get in touch to discuss how our services can support your partnership goals.