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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Specialist Education - Alternative Provision

Nottinghamshire County Council · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 1 Oct 2026, 17:51.

Opportunity overview

The Council is seeking to establish an Open Framework of suitable Providers under which the Council intend to commission Specialist Education - Alternative Provision. These services will cover the requirements for Alternative Provision placements of children & young people (Learners) made directly on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council with additional scope to include Local Council maintained Schools, or Free Schools and Academies (Contracting Council) within Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas if they wish to use it. Providers that are successful in demonstrating that they are able to meet the Council's standards, as set out in the service specification, will be awarded onto the Framework under the appropriate Lot and will be subsequently invited to offer places that match the needs of the Learners. Providers will be expected to evidence the quality of their provision by participating in regular Quality Assurance (QA) checks that will be carried out on behalf of the Contracting Authorities. Any Providers that fail to maintain the quality standards will be suspended from the Framework until they are able to provide evidence that they can meet the quality standards.

Classification

  • CPV80100000 — Primary education services
  • CPV80200000 — Secondary education services
  • CPV80300000 — Higher education services
  • CPV80500000 — Training services

Lots

  • Transitional Short Term time limited Placements - Block arrangement£3.2m
  • Department for Education Accredited Online Provision (the Online Education Accreditation Scheme)£1.6m
  • Specialist Individual Tailored Provision£11.5m
  • Tutoring£9.5m

Documents and notices

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
DN812426
Status
active
Procurement Method
open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Main Procurement Category
services
Above Threshold
Yes
How to submit
Tenders must be submitted electronically via https://www.eastmidstenders.org/
Has Recurrence
Yes
Published risks
'Known Unknown' risks have been identified in relation to this project, and these are provided for information below. Any changes required as a result of these risks will be made in accordance with the principles of transparency, proportionality, and equal treatment, and will ensure that alternative provision for children and young people continues without disruption throughout any reorganisation period. Local Government Reorganisation Bidders are advised that, following the UK Government's publication of the English Devolution White Paper in December 2024, a programme of Local Government Reorganisation ("LGR") is anticipated which may affect the governance, boundaries and/or legal status of the Council during the term of any Framework Agreement or Call Off awarded pursuant to this procurement. As a consequence of LGR, any resulting Framework Agreement or Call Off may be required to be transferred, assigned or novated (in whole or in part) to one or more successor authorities or other public bodies established as part of LGR, in accordance with applicable legislation. Bidders acknowledge and accept that the Council must comply with all statutory, regulatory and other legal requirements arising in connection with LGR and, to the extent necessary to do so, reserves the right to make such amendments to the procurement arrangements and/or any resulting Framework Agreement or Call Off as are required or permitted by law. Bidders must submit their Tender on the basis that such transfer, assignment, novation or amendment may occur and that no additional charges, price adjustments or termination rights shall arise solely as a result of LGR. Any reasonable steps taken by the Council or a successor Council to notify Bidders of matters arising from LGR shall be sufficient for the purposes of this procurement. SEND Reform The SEND Reform as outlined in the 2025-2026 Schools White paper proposes changes to special educational needs provision to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The current reform agenda originates from the SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan: Right support, right place, right time and is now being taken forward through: • The Schools White Paper (February 2026) • The SEND reform consultation: "Putting children and young people first" (open Feb-May 2026) Together, these establish a unified SEND - Alternative Provision system underpinned by new national standards, a three tier AP model, and stronger place based commissioning duties for local authorities. The reforms aim to: • Reduce reliance on long term or unplanned AP placements • Strengthen early intervention and inclusion in mainstream schools • Improve consistency, quality and value for money in AP at local level Sections 2.4.6, 2.4.7 and 2.4.8 of Part 3 Service Specification details the proposed national SEND reforms. Any national policy changes resulting from the reforms will need to be considered in the context of the delivery of Alternative Provision and the impact on this framework will be assessed. Internal Factors Nottinghamshire Local Area Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy Plan outlines to Council's commitment to improving and transforming education, health and care services for children and young people with SEND, ensuring they receive the best possible start in life. The current SEND strategy covers the period 2024-2027. This strategy will be reviewed and updated during the life of this framework and the impact of any changes to the strategy in light of the operation of the framework will be assessed. Sections 2.4.2 to 2.4.5 of Part 3 Service Specification set out all the local drivers. Any future change to local factors will be assessed in regard to the impact on this framework. Should there be any change required as a result of the above factors occurring, the Council would consider if the change would be a permitted modification 'Materialisation of a known risk' or another permitted modification under Schedule 8 'Permitted Contract Modifications' of the Procurement Act 2023 (Procurement Act 2023). Contract Value The anticipated value of the Framework is subject to demand and is based on current spend, projected requirements, and governance approval. The Council anticipates that the value of the Framework will be in the region of £25 million per annum (exclusive VAT), in accordance with governance approval. The total anticipated value over the full duration of the Framework, including any extension periods, may be increased to an estimated £600 million, subject to governance approval.

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Procedure

Features
Suppliers are required to complete all three stages of the procurement during publication of the tender before the published deadline. This includes the Procurement Selection Questionnaire, quality submission and price submission. The evaluation process to appoint potential Providers to the Framework will involve three stages: • Stage 1 - Procurement Specific Questionnaire and Conditions of Participation • Stage 2 - Quality submission • Stage 3 - Price submission Suppliers who fail Stage 1 will not have their tender evaluated under Stage 2 (Quality); and Suppliers who fail Stage 2 (Quality) will not have their tender evaluated under Stage 3 (Price). Suppliers who pass all three stages of the evaluation process and meet all of the published minimum requirements set out in the tender pack, will be appointed on to the Framework.

Special regime

lightTouch

Techniques

Has Framework Agreement
Yes

Framework Agreement

Is Open Framework Scheme
Yes
Method
withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition
Type
open
Buyer Categories
These services will cover the requirements for Alternative Provision placements of children & young people (Learners) made directly on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council with additional scope to include Local Council maintained Schools, or Free Schools and Academies (Contracting Council) within Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas if they wish to use it.
Description
Lot 1,2 and 4 - Rather than use the more common relative price formula the Council has chosen to use the Optimum price method to evaluate the bids. The Optimum price has been determined by using the Commissioning teams combined market knowledge to calculate a reasonable market rate. This is shown on the Pricing Response sheet. The Pricing Response will be scored out of a maximum of 105 marks for bids that ≤ the Optimum compliant bid (subject always to the provisions noted in relation to abnormally low tenders). Bids will be awarded marks in direct proportion to the relation between their bid and the Optimum Price. Lot 3 - Providers will submit a pricing menu for information only and will be used to verify prices quoted at referral stage.
Open Framework Scheme End Date
20 Jan 2035, 23:59

Buyer Location Restrictions

Entry 1

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKF15
Entry 2

Gazetteer

Scheme
GB-ITL

Identifiers

UKF16

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Tender Period

Ends
3 Jul 2026, 23:59

Enquiry period

Ends
26 Jun 2026, 23:59

Expected award period

Ends
13 Nov 2026, 23:59

Lot Details

Award Criteria Details
Providers are permitted to apply for any/multiple lots and are encouraged to bid for as many lots that are applicable to their service delivery.

Recurrence

Dates

Entry 1
Starts
13 May 2027, 23:59

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Transitional Short Term time limited Placements - Block arrangement
Description
The Council is seeking to commission transitional short-term time limited alternative provision placements designed to re-engage learners and support a successful return to mainstream education via a block booking arrangement for the following groups of young people: • Students requiring short term intervention prior to reintegration into mainstream education or other provision. • Students supported under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 due to illness, exclusion, or otherwise. • Section 61 learners with complex SEMH/SEND (Social, Emotional and Mental Health/Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) needs preventing mainstream attendance. • Students under section 100 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 who have been permanently excluded and require provision within 6 days. • Primary and secondary aged learners Provision may be full or part time and delivered through DfE registered or unregistered settings (DfE registered preferred). The Council is looking to put in place up to three block contracts in each of the following geographic areas: North Notts, Mid Notts and South Notts. There will be a maximum of three providers per geographic area and in order for the block contracting arrangements to be viable the Council require at least one Provider per locality during Framework One. Lot 1 may be re-opened as a successive Framework to increase capacity in response to need/demand and appoint additional Providers in accordance with Procurement Legislation and associated regulations.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
3,790,800
Amount
3,159,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
60
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
40
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Where applicable under the requirements of the Companies Act 2026 (or an overseas equivalent), the Bidder is required to self-certify that they are able to provide audited annual accounts. Third party credit checks (if available) will also be undertaken as part of a financial assessment. A poor credit rating which scores 3 or more in a Dun & Bradstreet check will lead to a further request for supporting documentation, for example, accounts, profit & loss, cash flow forecast, or alternative evidence you will be required to provide if successful. As part of the financial assessment the following factors will be considered but not limited to: - turnover (sales) - profit (loss) before interest & tax - profit / turnover % - liquidity ratio and gearing The Council reserves the right to seek additional financial information. Potential Framework Providers who fail the economic and financial standing assessment, will be excluded from the process and their tender shall be rejected and not evaluated further.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
The Bidder must demonstrate recent experience of providing services similar to those required in this contract, ideally in the public sector. You may include previous contracts to other public sector contracts. If your organisation has not previously been awarded contracts to provide these services, please summarise your general experience in question 4.1.8.4. Pass / Fail

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
21 Jan 2027, 00:00
Ends
20 Jan 2031, 23:59
Max Extent Date
20 Jan 2035, 23:59

Renewal

Description
It is anticipated this Framework will commence from January 2027 with a maximum initial term of four years. This may be supplemented by up to two optional extensions of two years each, resulting in a potential total duration of 8 years until January 2035. Tenderers should be aware that when reviewing whether to take up any contract extension provision which is at the sole discretion of the Council, the Council will, under its duty to obtain best value, consider a range of factors when deciding whether to extend or retender this contract.
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Department for Education Accredited Online Provision (the Online Education Accreditation Scheme)
Description
The Council is seeking to specifically commission Providers of online Alternative Provision who are successfully enrolled on the Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS). Placements under this Lot would be short term, remote learning programmes delivered in small groups or 1:1. The provision will be designed to support students to thrive outside of the traditional classroom. It should be accessible full or part-time from home or other agreed locations. The curriculum should be tailored to individual need and designed to ensure continuity of learning. Support should include tailored reintegration planning to either mainstream or in-person alternative provision.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
1,895,400
Amount
1,579,500
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
60
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
40
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Where applicable under the requirements of the Companies Act 2026 (or an overseas equivalent), the Bidder is required to self-certify that they are able to provide audited annual accounts. Third party credit checks (if available) will also be undertaken as part of a financial assessment. A poor credit rating which scores 3 or more in a Dun & Bradstreet check will lead to a further request for supporting documentation, for example, accounts, profit & loss, cash flow forecast, or alternative evidence you will be required to provide if successful. As part of the financial assessment the following factors will be considered but not limited to: - turnover (sales) - profit (loss) before interest & tax - profit / turnover % - liquidity ratio and gearing The Council reserves the right to seek additional financial information. Potential Framework Providers who fail the economic and financial standing assessment, will be excluded from the process and their tender shall be rejected and not evaluated further.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
The Bidder must demonstrate recent experience of providing services similar to those required in this contract, ideally in the public sector. You may include previous contracts to other public sector contracts. If your organisation has not previously been awarded contracts to provide these services, please summarise your general experience in question 4.1.8.4. Pass / Fail

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
21 Jan 2027, 00:00
Ends
20 Jan 2031, 23:59
Max Extent Date
20 Jan 2035, 23:59

Renewal

Description
It is anticipated this Framework will commence from January 2027 with a maximum initial term of four years. This may be supplemented by up to two optional extensions of two years each, resulting in a potential total duration of 8 years until January 2035. Tenderers should be aware that when reviewing whether to take up any contract extension provision which is at the sole discretion of the Council, the Council will, under its duty to obtain best value, consider a range of factors when deciding whether to extend or retender this contract.
Entry 3
Id
3
Title
Specialist Individual Tailored Provision
Description
The Council is seeking a range of Alternative Provision Providers for which they can call off contracts for placements for individual children and young people as and when required. Education placements will be commissioned on an individual basis as per the referral process detailed in Section 4. Placements will be bespoke, longer-term programmes combining academic learning, vocational pathways and wider personal development. This Lot includes both 1-1 and small group work and is to include ongoing reintegration planning and can be full-time or part-time.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
13,800,000
Amount
11,500,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
100
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Where applicable under the requirements of the Companies Act 2026 (or an overseas equivalent), the Bidder is required to self-certify that they are able to provide audited annual accounts. Third party credit checks (if available) will also be undertaken as part of a financial assessment. A poor credit rating which scores 3 or more in a Dun & Bradstreet check will lead to a further request for supporting documentation, for example, accounts, profit & loss, cash flow forecast, or alternative evidence you will be required to provide if successful. As part of the financial assessment the following factors will be considered but not limited to: - turnover (sales) - profit (loss) before interest & tax - profit / turnover % - liquidity ratio and gearing The Council reserves the right to seek additional financial information. Potential Framework Providers who fail the economic and financial standing assessment, will be excluded from the process and their tender shall be rejected and not evaluated further.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
The Bidder must demonstrate recent experience of providing services similar to those required in this contract, ideally in the public sector. You may include previous contracts to other public sector contracts. If your organisation has not previously been awarded contracts to provide these services, please summarise your general experience in question 4.1.8.4. Pass / Fail

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
21 Jan 2027, 00:00
Ends
20 Jan 2031, 23:59
Max Extent Date
20 Jan 2035, 23:59

Renewal

Description
It is anticipated this Framework will commence from January 2027 with a maximum initial term of four years. This may be supplemented by up to two optional extensions of two years each, resulting in a potential total duration of 8 years until January 2035. Tenderers should be aware that when reviewing whether to take up any contract extension provision which is at the sole discretion of the Council, the Council will, under its duty to obtain best value, consider a range of factors when deciding whether to extend or retender this contract.
Entry 4
Id
4
Title
Tutoring
Description
The Council is seeking to commission arrangements with high quality external tuition services to provide tailored education plans and to ensure positive outcomes including progression and achievement, enable participation, increase wellbeing and increase independence. The Lot will be made up of tuition companies and 1-1 tutors. Tuition should be delivered by qualified teachers (QTS) and can be offered face to face or through virtual sessions. Sessions will be 1-1 or small groups. Tuition must be tailored to meet identified developmental and educational needs of students.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
11,400,000
Amount
9,500,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
60
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
price
Name
Price

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
40
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Where applicable under the requirements of the Companies Act 2026 (or an overseas equivalent), the Bidder is required to self-certify that they are able to provide audited annual accounts. Third party credit checks (if available) will also be undertaken as part of a financial assessment. A poor credit rating which scores 3 or more in a Dun & Bradstreet check will lead to a further request for supporting documentation, for example, accounts, profit & loss, cash flow forecast, or alternative evidence you will be required to provide if successful. As part of the financial assessment the following factors will be considered but not limited to: - turnover (sales) - profit (loss) before interest & tax - profit / turnover % - liquidity ratio and gearing The Council reserves the right to seek additional financial information. Potential Framework Providers who fail the economic and financial standing assessment, will be excluded from the process and their tender shall be rejected and not evaluated further.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
The Bidder must demonstrate recent experience of providing services similar to those required in this contract, ideally in the public sector. You may include previous contracts to other public sector contracts. If your organisation has not previously been awarded contracts to provide these services, please summarise your general experience in question 4.1.8.4. Pass / Fail

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
21 Jan 2027, 00:00
Ends
20 Jan 2031, 23:59
Max Extent Date
20 Jan 2035, 23:59

Renewal

Description
It is anticipated this Framework will commence from January 2027 with a maximum initial term of four years. This may be supplemented by up to two optional extensions of two years each, resulting in a potential total duration of 8 years until January 2035. Tenderers should be aware that when reviewing whether to take up any contract extension provision which is at the sole discretion of the Council, the Council will, under its duty to obtain best value, consider a range of factors when deciding whether to extend or retender this contract.

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80100000
Description
Primary education services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80200000
Description
Secondary education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
80500000
Description
Training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKF15
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UKF16
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80100000
Description
Primary education services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80200000
Description
Secondary education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
80500000
Description
Training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKF15
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UKF16
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 3
Id
3
Related Lot
3

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80100000
Description
Primary education services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80200000
Description
Secondary education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
80500000
Description
Training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKF15
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UKF16
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 4
Id
4
Related Lot
4

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
80100000
Description
Primary education services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
80200000
Description
Secondary education services
Entry 3
Scheme
CPV
Id
80300000
Description
Higher education services
Entry 4
Scheme
CPV
Id
80500000
Description
Training services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKF15
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UKF16
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Entry 2
Id
L-1
Document Type
biddingDocuments
Entry 3
Id
047572-2026
Document Type
tenderNotice
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Published
22 May 2026, 10:24
Format
text/html

Planning and budget

No Engagement Notice Rationale
PME carried out: UK3: Planned procurement notice - 2026/S 000-041889

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
Nottinghamshire County Council
Id
GB-PPON-PBCV-5152-BXBP

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PBCV-5152-BXBP

Address

Street Address
County Hall, Loughborough Road
Locality
Nottingham
Postal Code
NG2 7QP
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKF16

Contact

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment
Description
Public authority - sub-central government

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Nottingham · UKF16 · NG2 7QP · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKF15 · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKF16 · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

2 published notice versions reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

2 VERSIONS
  1. 041889-2026Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender ·
  2. 047572-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·