West Northamptonshire Council - Non-School Alternative Provision Framework

Descriptions

West Northamptonshire Council ("the Authority") is issuing this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice to inform the market of its intention to procure a Non-School Alternative Provision Quality Assurance Framework. The purpose of this engagement is to alert and engage with organisations currently delivering, or interested in delivering, alternative education provision for children and young people who are unable to access full-time mainstream schooling. The proposed Framework will cover non-school alternative provision that is not Ofsted-registered, enabling the Authority to commission placements and education packages for: • Children and young people of statutory school age (5-16) • Post-16 young people (16-19) • Young people up to age 25 where an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is in place The Framework is intended to support the commissioning of high-quality, safe, and effective alternative provision, including (but not limited to): • Education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs • Non-school SEND provision • Behavioural intervention and reintegration support • Therapeutic and trauma-informed educational provision • Part-time or bespoke education packages, including Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTIS) • Vocational, practical, or skills-based learning • Alternative provision for pupils at risk of exclusion To support a diverse and flexible range of provision, the framework will be structured into a series of lots that providers may bid into. The proposed lots are: Lot 1: Tuition a. Specialist SEND tuition b. Curriculum tuition c. Onlineonly tuition Lot 2: SEMH Provision Lot 3: Post16 Provision Lot 4: Vocational Provision Lot 5: Reengagement Provision Lot 6: EOTIS Coordinator Provision may be delivered on provider premises, within the home, in community settings, or via hybrid delivery models, subject to meeting national standards for non-school alternative provision. The intended outcomes of the Framework include: • Flexible access to a diverse range of alternative providers • Improved geographical coverage across West Northamptonshire, particularly in the south and west of the county • Improved access across all age ranges, particularly the primary phase • Consistent quality assurance aligned with national standards • Improved educational, attendance, and wellbeing outcomes • Value for money and transparency in commissioning • Encouragement of local provider participation, innovation, and collaboration Publication of the procurement opportunity is anticipated in April / May 2026, with the Framework expected to commence in September 2026. Organisations are invited to submit comments or suggestions in relation to the proposed Framework. Feedback should be directed to: educationcommissioning@westnorthants.gov.uk

Engagement

This Preliminary Market Engagement is intended to inform the market of the Authority's planned procurement and to invite feedback to help shape the final procurement approach, ensuring it is proportionate, accessible, and aligned with market capability. At this stage, the Authority does not intend to hold formal in-person events. Engagement is expected to take place primarily via written submissions. The Authority may, however, arrange engagement sessions or follow-up discussions if this is considered beneficial, and will communicate any such arrangements to interested organisations in due course. Organisations wishing to participate in the engagement are invited to submit comments, observations, or suggestions by email. Submissions should clearly reference "WNC Non-School Alternative Provision Quality Assurance Framework - Market Engagement" in the subject line. Feedback and any clarification questions should be submitted to: educationcommissioning@westnorthants.gov.uk All feedback received by the stated engagement deadline will be considered. Participation in this market engagement is voluntary and does not form part of any formal procurement process, nor does it create any commitment on the part of the Authority to proceed with the procurement or adopt any particular approach.