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Prior Information Notice

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

  • First published: 17 June 2025
  • Last modified: 17 June 2025
  • Version: N/A
  • Record interest

     

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The buyer is not using this website to administer the notice.

To record your interest or obtain additional information or documents please find instructions within the Full Notice Text. (NOTE: Contract Award Notices and Prior Information Notices do not normally require a response)

Contents

Summary

OCID:
ocds-h6vhtk-0547f9
Published by:
Cheshire East Council
Authority ID:
AA80522
Publication date:
17 June 2025
Deadline date:
-
Notice type:
Prior Information Notice
Has documents:
No
Has SPD:
No
Has Carbon Reduction Plan:
N/A

Abstract

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.

Full notice text

Prior information notice

This notice is for prior information only

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name and addresses

Cheshire East Council

Delamere House, Delamere Street

Crewe

CW12JZ

UK

Contact person: Tracy Roberts

Telephone: +44 1270686973

E-mail: tracy.roberts@cheshireeast.gov.uk

NUTS: UKD

Internet address(es)

Main address: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/

I.3) Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:

https://www.the-chest.org.uk/


Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address


I.4) Type of the contracting authority

Regional or local authority

I.5) Main activity

General public services

Section II: Object

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.1.1) Title

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

Reference number: DN505426

II.1.2) Main CPV code

80000000

 

II.1.3) Type of contract

Services

II.1.4) Short description

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.

II.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

II.2) Description

Lot No: 1

II.2.1) Title

0-16 Day education placement

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

80000000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKD

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

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.

Lot No: 2

II.2.1) Title

0-16 Education with 38 week residential placement

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

80000000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKD

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

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.

Lot No: 3

II.2.1) Title

0-16 Education with 52 week residential placement

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

80000000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKD

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

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.

Lot No: 4

II.2.1) Title

16+ Day Education Placement

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

80000000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKD

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

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.

Lot No: 5

II.2.1) Title

16+ Education with Residential Placements

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

80000000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKD

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

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.

Lot No: 6

II.2.1) Title

Alternative Provision - Registered Setting

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

80000000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKD

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Alternative Provision - Registered Setting

Lot No: 7

II.2.1) Title

Alternative Provision - Unregistered Setting

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

80000000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKD

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Alternative Provision - Unregistered Setting

II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:

30/09/2025

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Description

IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.3) Additional information

This is advance notice of our intention to open Round 7 of this Flexible Purchasing System.

We value the work that external providers do in supporting children in the region and our aim is to ensure that the North West authorities can find the best external provision for children with educational needs.

We want to ensure that as many providers as possible are able to join the purchasing system and remain on the contract over its lifetime

To support providers wanting to join the purchasing system we are holding two information sessions as below. These are open to anyone offering Independent Special School or College places or Alternative Provision to North West authorities.

Providers already on the SEND FPS need not attend.

Please register for the sessions using the links below. The content in the sessions is different so we would recommend registering for and attending on both dates.

Pre Round 7 information session

3 July 2025: Teams

Will look at how providers can prepare for the upcoming opportunity and what the expectations will be if they apply to join.

Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/aa7ebfab-bbde-47b5-bca3-946f148e4d0c@a05ef69e-6149-4fba-a40c-df338810f644

Round 7 information session

9 October 2025: Teams

Recap on the requirements of the tender process and opportunity to answer questions once the documents are published.

Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/07087907-0b84-4c06-ada4-aa9cc1df0bd0@a05ef69e-6149-4fba-a40c-df338810f644

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice

12/06/2025

Coding

Commodity categories

ID Title Parent category
80000000 Education and training services Education

Delivery locations

ID Description
100 UK - All

Alert region restrictions

The buyer has restricted the alert for this notice to suppliers based in the following regions.

ID Description
There are no alert restrictions for this notice.

About the buyer

Main contact:
tracy.roberts@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Admin contact:
N/a
Technical contact:
N/a
Other contact:
N/a

Further information

Date Details
No further information has been uploaded.

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