Planning

West Northamptonshire Council - Non-School Alternative Provision Framework

WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

27 Jan 2026 at 15:39

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

West Northamptonshire Council is currently in the planning stage for the procurement of a Non-School Alternative Provision Quality Assurance Framework, with the industry focus on education and training services. This initiative aims to commission diverse educational packages for children and young people unable to access mainstream schooling across West Northamptonshire. The planned framework spans from September 2026 to August 2030, covering areas within the United Kingdom, specifically Northampton. Preliminary market engagement has commenced, with feedback invited via email until 28 February 2026, aiding in shaping the procurement process. The procurement opportunity publication is anticipated between April and May 2026, with the framework's commencement expected in September 2026.

This procurement presents significant business growth opportunities for organisations specialising in educational provision, particularly those adept in non-school settings. Businesses providing specialist SEND tuition, SEMH support, vocational training, and other forms of alternative education could find this tender particularly relevant. By participating, businesses can benefit from improved access to local markets, transparency in commissioning, and encouragement of innovation and collaboration, making it an attractive proposition for SMEs and VCSEs looking to expand their reach in the educational sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

West Northamptonshire Council - Non-School Alternative Provision Framework

Notice Description

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

Planning Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060ff9
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/007218-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

98 - Other community, social and personal services

CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

98000000 - Other community, social and personal services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
27 Jan 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
28 Feb 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WEST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
educationcommissioning@westnorthants.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
NORTHAMPTON
Postcode
NN1 1ED
Post Town
Northampton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF2 Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF24 West Northamptonshire
Delivery Location
TLF24 West Northamptonshire
Local Authority
West Northamptonshire
Electoral Ward
Castle
Westminster Constituency
Northampton North

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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