Why Visibility, Credibility and Messaging Matter in Alternative Provision, Now More Than Ever
Alternative Provisions have never been more vital, or more vulnerable.
Across the UK, more children and young people are being excluded from mainstream education, more families are in crisis, and more schools are reaching out for help. And yet, many of the best APs in the country are still operating under the radar, doing brilliant, life-changing work that barely anyone sees.
At Louise, we’ve had the privilege of working with some of these organisations. Teams that show up every day for young people who’ve been failed by the system. Leaders who carry the weight of safeguarding, funding, outcomes and operations, all while holding young people at the centre.
But here’s the hard truth.
Doing good isn’t enough. Not anymore.
The Visibility Gap
In 2024, we live in a world of fast referrals, digital scrutiny, and fierce competition. If your AP doesn’t show up well online (if your message isn’t clear, your story isn’t visible, your website isn’t current), referrers will scroll past. Commissioners will move on. And young people may never reach the setting that was made for them.
That’s not a reflection of your service, it’s a reflection of your visibility.
You Can’t Be Referred If You Can’t Be Found
We’ve worked with APs where the homepage didn’t even explain what they did. Where the referral process was buried three clicks deep. Where the brand looked like it hadn’t changed since 2006.
It’s not your fault. Most founders and senior leaders in this space have never been shown how to build a trusted, purposeful marketing presence. They’ve relied on word-of-mouth, on community relationships, or on commissioners who already know them. But the new generation of referrers, and families, need more.
They need to know:
- Who you support
- What makes you specialist
- Why you exist
- How your environment helps
- And what they need to do next
Without that clarity, you risk being misunderstood, underestimated, or missed altogether.
Your Work Deserves Better
We don’t believe in spin. We don’t believe in shiny, corporate gloss that hides the hard truths.
We believe in visibility that builds trust. Messaging that speaks to the heart of your work. Stories that centre the people you’re here to serve.
And we believe your website, your social presence, and your brand should feel as values-led, human, and high-quality as the support you provide.
Because when you get that right? You make it easier for commissioners to say yes. You create confidence for parents. You empower referrers to act faster. You unlock more impact, and less stress.
The Sector Is Changing: You Shouldn’t Have To Do It Alone
We know that most APs don’t have an in-house marketing team. You’ve got overstretched admin staff trying to juggle social media. You’ve got legacy brand assets that no longer reflect who you are. You’ve got a website that was built on a shoestring five years ago.
That’s where we come in.
At Louise, we work with purpose-led organisations across the children’s sector, from APs and youth charities to fostering agencies and supported accommodation providers, helping them:
- Refine their brand and voice
- Build websites that inform, inspire and convert
- Create trust-building content for social and digital
- Map referral journeys that make action simple
- Build confidence in their comms teams
- And grow with credibility
We’ve supported organisations like Illuminate AP, Storyy Group and Provisions Plus+ to clarify their story, elevate their digital presence, and communicate with purpose.
We’re not here to make you sound like everyone else. We’re here to help you sound like you, but clearer, louder and with more confidence.
Let’s Get You Seen
If you’re running an Alternative Provision that’s struggling to be seen, or just ready to sharpen your comms, we’d love to chat. Whether you need a full rebrand or just a referral page that actually works, we’re here to help.
Because your young people deserve to be supported. Your staff deserve to be proud of how you show up. And your service deserves to be visible, trusted, and valued.
hello@wearelouise.co.uk / www.wearelouise.co.uk
