WSCC Independent Alternative Provision (IAP) Open Framework

West Sussex County Council is establishing an open framework for Independent Alternative Provision (IAP), with an estimated value of £224.595 million.

The framework will support the Council’s statutory education responsibilities by providing access to alternative education alongside placements available through the Ofsted-regulated West Sussex Alternative Provision College (APC).

Provision commissioned through the framework is intended to complement mainstream education, provide short-term interventions and support Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) packages where appropriate.

The Council is seeking safe, high-quality provision that supports learners to reintegrate or transition into longer-term education, training or employment. There is a particular focus on meeting the individual needs of learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including demand for provision supporting learners with Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism.

The framework has also been updated to align with the Non-School Alternative Provision Voluntary National Standards introduced in August 2025, with suppliers expected to meet the relevant quality and safeguarding benchmarks.

Framework Tiers

There are no separate lots. Instead, suppliers can apply for one or more of four tiers and may request to add additional tiers during the framework term.

• Tier 1: Provision commissioned by schools for learners at risk of placement breakdown, including short-term interventions designed to maintain engagement.
• Tier 2: Transitional placements commissioned by the Council while a permanent education setting is being sought.
• Tier 3: Provision commissioned by the Council for learners with an agreed EOTAS package.
• Tier 4: Specialist targeted support commissioned by the Council for learners supported by a multi-disciplinary team.

The open framework will have an unlimited number of suppliers and will remain permanently open, with evaluations taking place quarterly.

Awards under the framework may be made either with or without competition, and schools will also be able to use the arrangement.

Contract Information

Buyer: West Sussex County Council

Deadline: The Council states that bidders can apply from 1 September 2026 until the end of the framework and that the published submission deadline should be disregarded.

Contract Value: £224,595,000

Delivery Length: Initial period of two years, with options to extend in increments of up to two years to a maximum term of eight years. The estimated open framework end date is 31 August 2034.

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

The opportunity is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Quality – 100%

Procurement Procedure

The framework is being established through an open procedure under the light touch regime.

The arrangement will operate as a Light Touch Regime Open Framework that remains permanently open, with quarterly evaluations. The maximum number of suppliers is unlimited, and no supplier fee will be charged.

The framework represents a significant long-term opportunity for alternative education and specialist support providers delivering services for learners across West Sussex, particularly those requiring SEND, SEMH, Autism and EOTAS support.

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