Home / Opportunities / Opportunity
PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

North West SEND Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) and Alternative Provision

Cheshire East Council · compiled

Tender information last checkedLast checked 30 Sept 2026, 04:21.

Opportunity overview

Placements North West in conjunction with Cheshire East Council are inviting new providers to join the North West Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) for SEND to provide North West Contracting Authorities with a route for placing 0-25 year old learners with SEND into education provision. The services covered in this FPS are for Children and Young People aged up to 25 in independent and non-maintained schools, colleges, specialist Post 16 Institutions, General Further Education (GFE) and Independent Learning Providers for Learners 16 - 25 years who have an education, health and care plan (ECHP) and those who require access to Alternative Provision to support educational outcomes. The (FPS) will facilitate the Local Authorities of the North West to purchase these services from the Supplier through a Call Off Contract comprising an Individual Placement Agreement (IPA) or Block Contract subject to the terms and conditions of the FPS and those of the Call Off Contract. The provision must be able to meet the objectives established in the Learner's Education, Health and Care Plan or within the IPA and services should be provided in compliance with all relevant statutory requirements, including timescales, and any requirements of the Regulatory Body. The following Services are in scope of the FPS: I. Lot 1: 0-16 Day education placement II. Lot 2: Education with 38 week residential placement III. Lot 3: Education with 52 week residential placement IV. Lot 4: 16+ Day Education Placement V. Lot 5: 16+ Education with Residential Placements VI. Lot 6: Alternative Provision* - Registered Setting VII. Lot 7: Alternative Provision* - Unregistered Setting *Alternative Provision as defined by the Department for Education In delivery of these services, the Provider shall operate fully in accordance with all relevant Acts of Parliament, amendment or re-enactment of any Act, Statutory Regulation, and other such laws and statutory guidance, as may affect the provision of education, health and care specified under the Contract All services available under the FPS will be available to be called off by the 31 Contracting Authorities in the North West region. The regional FPS which will provide consistent quality standards, streamline processes, improve communication and encourage innovation.

Classification

  • CPV80000000 — Education and training services

Lots

  • 0-16 Day education placementValue not stated
  • 0-16 Education with 38 week residential placementValue not stated
  • 0-16 Education with 52 week residential placementValue not stated
  • 16+ Day Education PlacementValue not stated
  • 16+ Education with Residential PlacementsValue not stated
  • Alternative Provision - Registered SettingValue not stated
  • Alternative Provision - Unregistered SettingValue not stated

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
DN505426
Status
planned
Main Procurement Category
services

Covered By

GPA

Legal basis

Id
32014L0024
Scheme
CELEX

Communication

Future Notice Date
30 Sept 2025, 00:00

Classification

Id
80000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Education and training services

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
0-16 Day education placement
Status
planned
Description
0-16 Day education placement - Registered provision The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner. Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework. The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses. The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of: • the service overall (the Outcomes), and • individual placements (the Individual Outcomes). In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities) In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement. The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose. This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included. The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
0-16 Education with 38 week residential placement
Status
planned
Description
0-16 Education with 38 week residential placement. Registered provision. The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner. Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework. The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses. The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of: • the service overall (the Outcomes), and • individual placements (the Individual Outcomes). In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities) In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement. The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose. This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included. The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
Entry 3
Id
3
Title
0-16 Education with 52 week residential placement
Status
planned
Description
0-16 Education with 52 week residential placement. Registered provision. The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner. Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework. The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses. The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of: • the service overall (the Outcomes), and • individual placements (the Individual Outcomes). In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities) In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement. The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose. This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included. The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
Entry 4
Id
4
Title
16+ Day Education Placement
Status
planned
Description
16+ Day Education Placement. Registered provision. The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner. Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework. The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses. The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of: • the service overall (the Outcomes), and • individual placements (the Individual Outcomes). In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities) In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement. The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose. This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included. The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
Entry 5
Id
5
Title
16+ Education with Residential Placements
Status
planned
Description
16+ Education with Residential Placements. Registered provision. The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner. Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework. The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses. The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of: • the service overall (the Outcomes), and • individual placements (the Individual Outcomes). In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities) In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement. The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose. This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included. The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
Entry 6
Id
6
Title
Alternative Provision - Registered Setting
Status
planned
Description
Alternative Provision - Registered Setting
Entry 7
Id
7
Title
Alternative Provision - Unregistered Setting
Status
planned
Description
Alternative Provision - Unregistered Setting

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKD

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Education and training services
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKD

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Education and training services
Item 3
Id
3
Related Lot
3

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKD

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Education and training services
Item 4
Id
4
Related Lot
4

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKD

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Education and training services
Item 5
Id
5
Related Lot
5

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKD

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Education and training services
Item 6
Id
6
Related Lot
6

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKD

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Education and training services
Item 7
Id
7
Related Lot
7

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKD

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80000000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Education and training services

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Id
GB-FTS-140931
Name
Cheshire East Council

Roles

buyer

Address

Region
UKD
Locality
Crewe
Postal Code
CW12JZ
Country Name
United Kingdom
Street Address
Delamere House, Delamere Street

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Id
REGIONAL_AUTHORITY
Scheme
TED_CA_TYPE
Description
Regional or local authority
Entry 2
Id
01
Scheme
COFOG
Description
General public services

Identifier

Legal Name
Cheshire East Council
No Identifier Rationale
notOnAnyRegister

Contact

Name
Tracy Roberts
Telephone
+44 1270686973

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Crewe · UKD · CW12JZ · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKD

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. ocds-h6vhtk-0547f9-2025-06-12T16:06:18+01:00compiled ·