New resource launch for Alternative Provision settings: Understanding sexual harassment

UK Feminista’s Director, Nina Humphries, shares why we’ve developed a new resource for Alternative Provision school settings

We’re proud to launch Understanding Sexual Harassment – a new teaching resource designed specifically for students aged 11–14 in Alternative Provision settings.

This activity plan builds on UK Feminista’s direct work in Alternative Provision, where we’ve collaborated with teachers to implement whole school approaches to tackling sexism and sexual harassment. Through our direct support provision and focus groups, we’ve deepened our understanding of the unique challenges Alternative Provision settings face – and the practical tools needed.

We’ve heard clearly from Alternative Provision staff: there’s an urgent need for guidance and resources tailored to Alternative Provision settings to address sexism and sexual harassment. According to the latest available statistics, there are 15,866 pupils in state-funded Alternative Provision, and over 25,000 children in unregistered Alternative Provision. This scale demands immediate, focused action to ensure these students are not left behind.

Alternative Provision classes, which are much smaller, often include a broad age range, transient student populations and learners navigating complex challenges – including adverse childhood experiences, social exclusion, and emotional, behavioural or learning needs. Class group dynamics require careful consideration when addressing sensitive issues. Ethnically minoritised students and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are overrepresented in Alternative Provision. Boys make up the majority of Alternative Provision students, and girls face distinct risks and barriers that must not be overlooked. Ensuring a safe environment for female students, and staff – who also face sexual harassment in schools – must be a priority.

This new activity invites students to explore what sexual harassment is, the forms it can take, and how it’s rooted in broader patterns of sex inequality and gendered power dynamics in society – as well as how intersecting forms of social inequality, such as racism, ableism and homophobia, can compound experiences of sexual harassment. Students develop a step-by-step guide to recognising sexual harassment and knowing how to seek support.

We’ve worked closely with Alternative Provision specialists to ensure the resource is engaging, flexible, visual and interactive. It’s designed to be easily adapted to suit the age, needs and experiences of individual students – and while it’s tailored for Alternative Provision, it can also be used in mainstream schools. It encourages students to share their own examples, helping to make the issue relevant to their lives and experiences. It also empowers students to participate in safe and respectful discussion where student voice is valued, and to take the lead in co-creating practical tools for their peers.

It’s vital that all education settings send a clear message: sexism and sexual harassment are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This is especially important for girls, who are far more likely to experience it and who need to know that if they do, they will be supported and the school will take it seriously.

We hope this resource supports Alternative Provision teachers in creating safe spaces to address sexism and sexual harassment – and equips students with the knowledge and confidence to identify sexual harassment and seek support.

Download Understanding Sexual Harassment now from our online resource hub, where you’ll also find complementary materials – including classroom activities, posters, case studies, and guidance and tools on taking a whole school approach.