AP Start-up Support
Starting an Alternative Provision is one of the most exciting and rewarding things you could do in education. It’s also a really important thing to get right. We make sure you don’t have to figure it all out from scratch.
Safeguarding frameworks, premises standards, staffing compliance, LA tenders - the list of things to get right before you open your doors is long, and the cost of getting them wrong is high. Our packages mean you don’t have to work it all out alone.
The AP Start-Up Package is best for founders, charities, tutoring or community organisations planning a new AP or formalising a small provision.
Every piece of paperwork and policy that we use has been proven, through LA QA’s, Ofsted and through some of the 100’s of APs we’ve worked with. We’ve worked with settings and LAs across the country to support successful opening.
“Really helpful, practical advice. Blew away the smoke and mirrors of LA advice.”
AP Pioneer
Our package is the most cost-effective way to get a professionally grounded start for your Non-School AP. It includes more than 35 editable template documents including a full policy suite. It gives you access to time with our consultants and a route to answer queries as you develop. It is everything you'll need to plan your AP with confidence.
Need an invoice or purchase order? Contact us here: support@closethegaps.co.uk
Not sure if this is right for you? Book a 30 minute conversation here.
What will I get?
This pack is for you if:
You are planning to open a non-school AP.
You are moving from tutoring, mentoring outreach or EOTAS style work to a more formal AP model.
You need policies, checklists and planning documents.
You want to understand registration, safeguarding, premises, H&S and commissioning expectations.
You want expert input without paying for a full consultancy project.
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Our planning tools help you with a step-by step guide to opening. They include a more detailed guide to opening, and an editable Gantt chart.
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Our policy templates are written specifically for non-school APs. They match the DfE’s non-school standards and are updated regularly as KCSIE guidance changes. Your access continues so you can re-download these every September for updated versions.
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Our checklists help you make sure you are reaching the best standards in premises, safeguarding and health and safety. You can work through them to audit your practice. They aren’t just useful at set up but throughout the life of your AP.
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As well as policies and planning materials you’ll also need some paperwork like referral forms and service level agreements. The package has all these as editable templates you can tailor for your setting.
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With the package you can book in an hours consultation. These normally cost £80 but yours is available whenever you need it as part of the package. They’re great for really unpacking your plans and questions in an in-depth way.
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As one of our package members you can email through questions or queries as they arise. We’ll do our best to respond quickly, send what you need and help bring clarity.
What People Are Saying
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"Close the gaps has been invaluable in helping to assist us in setting up our new alternative provision. Without Marks guidance we would not have been able to achieve the goals we have set as a new company whilst also offering great value for money."
— AP Head
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"Really grateful for your support and guidance"
— Founder - New AP Provision
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"With Mark's support and guidance we have recently become an approved alternative educational provider for several LA's in Greater Manchester and the North West."
— CEO AP and Community Group
If you’d like more help…..
We also work with AP founders in a more bespoke way. Do get in touch if you’d prefer some more personalised support.
Personalised policy suites
Some organisations prefer us to prepare all their paperwork for them. We will talk to you to understand your approach then pull together a full policy suite that is immediately read to send to commissioners. This costs £750
Tendering applications
We’ve had a lot of experience of writing tender bids successfully for APs working with LAs all across the country. We’ll work with you to complete paperwork for a tender process to show your AP in the best light. A framework application costs £650
Consultancy support
Our consultation varies around your needs. We offer hour-long online meetings, regular coaching or site visits to look in detail at premises. Some of our clients prefer a retainer approach where they can reach us whenever they need support and accountability. Costs vary.
Some of the organisations Close the Gaps is trusted by:
Our package is the most cost-effective way to get a professionally grounded start for your Non-School AP. It includes more than 35 editable template documents including a full policy suite. It gives you access to time with our consultants and a route to answer queries as you develop. It is everything you'll need to plan your AP with confidence.
