Editorial [BJSE September 2023]

A journal editorial should, in our view, provoke thought and debate about issues that cannot, and should not, be ignored in education. This editorial follows that pattern. March 2023 saw the publication of the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and alternative provision plan for England. Point 9 of the Executive Summary is entitled ‘Creating a more inclusive society through a new national SEND and alternative provision system’ (DfE, 2023, p. 7). While this document relates to practice in England, the purpose and outcomes of alternative provision resonate across national boundaries. On the one hand, pupil referral units and short-stay facilities can be seen as alternative provision, often for those children and young people whose behaviours challenge schools and educators. On the other hand, some might argue that special schools count as alternative provision, although usually on a long-term basis.