Three Reasons Why Pupil Voice Should Be a Priority in Alternative Provision
In Alternative Provision settings, where students often need the highest levels of support, care, and flexibility, pupil voice isn’t a “nice to have.”
It’s essential.
When young people feel heard and included in shaping their environment, they are more likely to engage in their learning, build trust with staff, and develop the confidence they’ll need beyond school.
Here are three powerful reasons why pupil voice should be front and center in AP:
📌 Confidence grows when every student is heard
In many AP settings, students arrive with low confidence or negative experiences of school. Creating a structured and safe space for every pupil to share their views helps rebuild self-belief.
When students see that their ideas matter, not just the loudest voices, it’s transformative.
Example:
At Park House School in Barnsley, small-group Class Meetings allow students to debate real topics and make decisions together. Associate Head Damien sees students becoming more confident speakers and listeners each week.
“It’s teaching them how to engage with conflicting opinions respectfully.”
📌 Communication and social skills improve through structured discussion
Many AP students need help developing speech, language, and emotional expression.
Regular, guided discussions provide:
✅ Opportunities to practise turn-taking and active listening
✅ Simple structures that support verbal and non-verbal communication
✅ A safe place to disagree respectfully
By linking big issues (like climate change or voting) to real action in school, pupils learn that their voice can lead to change, now and in the future.
📌 Pupil voice builds a sense of belonging and ownership
A shared culture begins when students feel the school is theirs, not something done to them.
Giving pupils roles in leadership, communication, and decision-making helps them:
✅ Take responsibility
✅ Work toward collective goals
✅ Feel part of a community
As Damien from Park House puts it:
“It’s not my school - it’s theirs.”
When young people help shape their school environment, engagement rises, and behavior often improves naturally as well.
A model designed for every learner
Pupil voice isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Alternative Provision settings need flexible tools that can be adapted to:
🔹 small tutor groups
🔹 SEMH needs
🔹 varied communication abilities
🔹 a wide age range
That’s why structured pupil-led discussions, supported with visuals, prompts, and repetition, are so effective in AP schools.
Make pupil voice your AP superpower
When every student can take part, pupil voice becomes:
✨ A confidence builder
✨ A communication tool
✨ A bridge to real-world readiness
That’s why more AP schools are making it a priority this year.
💡 Want to know how to make this work in your school?
We’re running free weekly webinars packed with practical tools, templates, and real examples from schools already building lasting, inclusive pupil voice structures.
