Open Framework for the provision of non-school alternative provision in Suffolk

Non-school Alternative Provision (NSAP) refers to educational arrangements delivered outside of a mainstream or special school setting for children and young people who are unable to access full-time education within a traditional school environment. These provisions are typically commissioned by local authorities, schools or multi-academy trusts to meet the needs of pupils who require a different approach to education and support. Including Education Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS).

Alternative Provision serves a diverse group of learners, including those who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, experience significant social, emotional or mental health difficulties, have medical needs that prevent regular school attendance or require additional support to engage effectively in education. In some cases, NSAP may also be used to support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) where their needs cannot currently be met within a school setting. The use of NSAP does not remove the Local Authority's duty under Section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014 to secure the special educational provision specified in an Education, Health and Care Plan.

NSAP can take a variety of forms, including specialist tuition services, vocational learning programmes, therapeutic education providers, outdoor learning environments and online or blended learning models. These settings often provide smaller class sizes, more personalised learning programmes and additional pastoral or therapeutic support to help pupils overcome barriers to learning.

The primary aim of NSAP is to ensure that children and young people continue to receive a suitable education while addressing the underlying factors that may be affecting their engagement, attendance or achievement. Provision may be designed to support a pupil's successful reintegration into a school setting or to provide longer-term educational arrangements where this is considered to be in the learner's best interests.

Within the context of local authority commissioning and SEND services, non-school Alternative Provision plays an important role in maintaining educational access and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners. Effective commissioning arrangements include robust quality assurance, safeguarding oversight, monitoring of attendance and progress, and regular review to ensure that provision continues to meet the needs of the child or young person and delivers value for money.

Suffolk County Council are exploring the possibility of inviting Tenders for inclusion on an Open Framework of approved, quality assured providers of Non-School Alternative Provision intended to facilitate the placement of vulnerable children and young people for whom the Council has a statutory responsibility. All young people placed under this contract will be of statutory school age in Key Stages 1-5, up to the age of 19 (and potentially 24 if they have an EHCP). In addition, pupils will have a range of backgrounds that could include but not be limited to:

• Being excluded or not attending a mainstream or special school for a prolonged period;
• Young people in public care who have had disrupted care placements and/or schooling;
• Young offenders on supervision orders;
• Young people awaiting court hearings or on bail conditions.
• Children and young people with additional needs i.e. Autism
• Children and young people with Disabilities
• Students waiting for a place within mainstream education or special schools

More information about Open Frameworks can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-guidance-documents-define-phase/guidance-frameworks-html

This notice does not constitute a call for competition or a commitment to procure.

Should this go ahead, the Open Framework is expected to replace/succeed the Alternative Education Rolling Select List currently in place (ref CD1397).