WSCC Independent Alternative Provision (IAP) Open Framework

What the buyer is asking for

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. For Clarity the Framework is due to run from September 1st 2026 for an initial period of two years. Bidders can apply from September 1st 2026 until the end of the framework. Please disregard dates of award and submission deadline below. 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

How this is scored

Published by the buyer. A winning response is written to these weightings, not to the question.

• 100%qualityQuality

How contested is this?

Buyers publish how many bids they received. Across 14 comparable procurements we can tell you the typical field size, how often one of these goes uncontested, and whether the buyer awards on price or on quality.

Timeline

4 published dates · Europe/London

1. Tender notice published20 days ago

   1 Sept 2026, 15:57 BST
2. Clarification questions byin 9 days

   1 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
3. Submission deadlinein 9 days

   1 Oct 2026, 12:00 BST
4. Award decision expected byin 10 days

   1 Oct 2026, 23:59 BST

Commercial outcome and contract awards

Nothing awarded yet

Notice history

1 event · 1 release on Find a Tender

1. Tender notice1 Sept 2026, 15:57 BST082798-2026

Payment terms

30 Days

Documents

• Tender notice on Find a Tender