WSCC Independent Alternative Provision (IAP)

Procurement reference

C21325

Procurement description

The Authority is committed to ensuring access to high-quality education for all Learners, in line with statutory duties under the Education Act. To achieve this, we commission Independent Alternative Provision (IAP) to complement mainstream education, provide short-term interventions, and deliver Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) packages where appropriate.

This Framework will operate in addition to the Authority's commissioned placements at the Ofsted-regulated West Sussex Alternative Provision College (APC), which offers full-time education.

The Framework aims to secure safe, high-quality Alternative Provision that: acts as an intervention, not a destination; supports timely reintegration and/or transition of Learners into long-term education, training, or employment; and meets the individual needs of Learners, particularly Learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) with a particular demand on provisions supporting Learners with Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) and Autism.

The Framework has been updated to align with the Non-School Alternative Provision Voluntary National Standards (August 2025), ensuring Suppliers meet nationally recognized benchmarks for quality and safeguarding.

Structure of the Framework

This opportunity does not include separate Lots. Suppliers may apply for one or more Tiers and can request to add additional Tiers at any point during the Framework term.

Tier 1: Provision commissioned by schools for Learners at risk of placement breakdown (e.g., short-term intervention to maintain engagement).

Tier 2: Transitional placements commissioned by the Authority while seeking a permanent education setting.

Tier 3: Provision commissioned by the Authority for Learners with an agreed EOTAS package.

Tier 4: Specialist targeted support commissioned by the Authority for Learners supported by a multi-disciplinary team.

The Tender Document pack , including full details of the services required, can be viewed via the Authority's e-tendering Portal. https://atamis-7669.my.site.com/s/Welcome

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex

Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)

224595000.00 GBP to 224595000.00GBP

Contract dates (estimated)

01 March 2026, 00:00AM to 28 February 2028, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 28 February 2034

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Is this an open framework scheme?

Yes

West Sussex County Council

Procedure type

Open procedure

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

Percentage fee charged to suppliers

0%

Open framework scheme end date (estimated)

28 February 2034, 23:59PM

Award method when using the framework

With and without reopening competition

Framework operation description

Light Touch Regime Open Framework permanently open with quarterly evaluations.

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services

Delivery regions

• UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex

Lot value (estimated)

224595000.00 GBP Excluding VAT

224595000.00 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 March 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

28 February 2028, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

28 February 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

Initial term of two years with the option to extend in increments of up to two years. Maximum term of eight years.

Does the lot include options?

Yes

Description of options

The right to add additional tiers while the contract is valid.

Award criteria

Tender submission deadline

15 December 2025, 12:00PM

Enquiry deadline

02 December 2025, 12:00PM

Date of award of contract

20 February 2026, 23:59PM

Submission address and any special instructions

https://atamis-7669.my.site.com/s/Welcome

May tenders be submitted electronically?

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

• English