What is an AP tutor?

If you’re new to the term AP tutor, you’re not alone. AP stands for Alternative Provision, a type of education set up for children and young people who aren’t currently able to attend mainstream school. This might be due to anxiety, trauma, illness, exclusion, or simply because mainstream environments don’t meet their needs, especially for neurodivergent students like PDAers.

An AP tutor is someone who works with children and young people in these situations, often 1:1 or in very small groups-offering a more flexible and personalised way to access learning. They may be part of a formal education centre or an outreach service that supports learners at home or in community spaces.

We asked some AP tutors to tell us about what they do – here is what they said:

AP tutors adapt learning to suit the individual, this might include:

• Visiting a child at home to explore learning through games, projects, or creative activities.
• Providing educational support in a way that feels safe and achievable.
• Working flexibly and creatively to reduce anxiety and increase engagement.
• Helping students work towards personal or curriculum-based goals at a pace that works for them.

Many AP tutors also act as a bridge between education and wellbeing, offering emotional support and consistency, especially for children who are struggling with trust, self-esteem, or past trauma related to school.

AP tutors often have teaching qualifications, and many have extra training or lived experience in working with:

• Autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).
• Trauma-informed approaches.
• Mental health support.

Because the role can vary, so do the qualifications. Some tutors work independently, while others are employed through schools, local authorities, or private services.

AP tutors can support PDAers by:

• Reducing demands and following the child’s lead.
• Being playful, flexible, and non-judgemental.
• Offering a safe relationship before expecting engagement.
• Creating bespoke learning activities that build confidence and curiosity.
• Understanding PDA-specific needs and not using traditional behaviour systems.

AP tutors are often especially well-placed to adapt to PDA profiles because of the flexible, individualised nature of their work. Some of the adaptations they shared include:

• Using declarative language: (e.g. “I wonder if…” instead of instructions).
• Lowering expectations in ways that build trust and connection first.
• Offering choices and autonomy to help reduce anxiety around control.
• Tuning into sensory needs and adjusting environments or sessions accordingly.
• Working outside traditional school settings, which can reduce overwhelm.
• Building learning around the child’s interests, so engagement feels natural rather than pressured.

These professionals often challenge mainstream approaches and offer alternative ways of learning and relating that are more suited to PDAers’ needs.

One AP tutor told us: “For many PDAers and their families, an AP tutor is the first person in education who truly gets it. They can make learning feel possible again-and most importantly, they can help children feel seen and safe.”

PDAers and their families often tell us how confusing and unsettling it can be to meet new professionals – especially when it’s not clear what their job is or what good support looks like. That’s why we asked professionals themselves to tell us, in their own words, what they do. You’ll find their honest, personal answers in the ‘What professionals do’ section of our site.

This is a growing resource, so if you don’t see the role you’re looking for yet, you could ask the person you’re working with to fill in this short form.

Please note: these insights come from individual professionals, not official organisations, so you might find some variation in how people describe their roles. If you’re wondering whether a service you’ve been offered is the right fit, our guides to finding helpful support can help.