A systematic literature review exploring the facilitators and barriers of reintegration to secondary mainstream schools through ‘alternative provision

This systematic review synthesises the existing research evidence regarding the experiences of young people reintegrated to a mainstream secondary school (MSS) through alternative provision (AP), following permanent exclusion. Eight studies, including one international study, were critically appraised and synthesised following PRISMA guidelines. Three global themes were identified: outcomes of reintegration; factors that support reintegration (facilitators); factors that limit reintegration success (barriers). Findings were configured into a chronological reintegration journey model that outlines the facilitating and limiting factors at three specific stages of the reintegration process: AP support; reintegration planning; reintegration and MSS support. Bringing together multiple stakeholder perspectives from a variety of data sources, this model can serve as a framework for practitioners involved within the reintegration process. This review evidences variability in the methodological quality of the reintegration research evidence and outlines recommendations for future research.