North Yorkshire Council is procuring an Inclusion Services Framework (reference 369-NYC-CY) to formalise and improve how it commissions education and support services for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Valued at up to £40,000,000 (including VAT) over a term of up to eight years, and structured across six specialist lots, this is a significant route-to-market for alternative provision and specialist education providers across the region.
The framework responds directly to growing demand. North Yorkshire's spend on Education Other Than at School (EOTAS) and post-16 provision has risen sharply in recent years, and the council wants a structured, compliant pathway to commission services quickly, consistently, and to a defined quality standard.
If you are considering whether to apply for the 369-NYC-CY framework, contact Thornton & Lowe. We can quickly review the opportunity against your service offering and give you a straightforward view on whether it is the right investment of your time and resources.
Who is this framework for?
This is not a healthcare or domiciliary care framework. It is aimed squarely at providers delivering education and therapeutic services to children and young people, particularly those who cannot access mainstream schooling. Eligible organisations include alternative provision schools, tutoring services, therapeutic intervention providers, enrichment and activity providers, and post-16 education specialists.
The framework is designed to replace the council's current ad hoc commissioning approach with a structured, pre-approved supplier list. Once on the framework, providers can be called upon directly when a child or young person's needs match their lot, reducing barriers and improving response times for some of North Yorkshire's most vulnerable learners.
Framework structure: the six lots
The framework is divided into six lots, each covering a distinct area of provision:
- Lot 1 – Primary In-person Education (KS1/KS2): Face-to-face tuition in 1:1, 2:1, or small group settings, aligned to the National Curriculum, with a focus on reintegration into mainstream schooling.
- Lot 2 – Secondary In-person Education (KS3/KS4): Face-to-face tuition at secondary level, working towards KS3 and KS4 outcomes and supporting the young person's pathway back into education.
- Lot 3 – Online Education: Primary or secondary provision delivered digitally, including both accredited and unaccredited online schools, in 1:1 or small group formats.
- Lot 4 – Therapeutic Interventions: Specialist therapeutic sessions including Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT), Occupational Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Equine Therapy.
- Lot 5 – Alternative and Enrichment Activities: Non-academic provision such as Forest School, music skills, and mechanics, aimed at building resilience and re-engagement with learning.
- Lot 6 – Post-16 Provision: Education, therapeutic support, or enrichment for young people aged 16+, including preparation for adulthood pathways.
There is no cap on the number of providers per lot, and organisations are welcome to apply for multiple lots where their delivery offer spans more than one area.
Key facts
- Framework value: Up to £40,000,000 (including VAT)
- Contract length: Up to 8 years (initial 4 years + 2+2 extensions)
- Authority: North Yorkshire Council
- Procurement type: Framework agreement
- Number of lots: 6
- Submission deadline: 22 May 2026
- Contract start: 1 September 2026
Tips for a strong application
- Select lots that match your core delivery: The council is looking for genuine specialists in each area. Focus your application on lots where your track record and staff competencies are strongest, rather than spreading thinly across all six.
- Address the reintegration focus: North Yorkshire has been explicit that reintegration into mainstream education is a central objective. Your application should articulate how your provision supports children and young people to progress back into formal settings.
- Prepare for quality assurance: The framework includes an annual QA process and clear KPIs. Evidence your existing quality management practices and how you capture and report on pupil outcomes.
- Use the YORtender portal: Submissions are managed through YORtender. If your team is unfamiliar with the system, allow extra time to navigate the platform before the deadline.
- EHCP knowledge counts: Familiarity with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and the Children and Families Act 2014, will strengthen your responses and demonstrate understanding of the statutory context.
For full details, visit the official Find a Tender notice.
Ready to apply for the North Yorkshire Inclusion Services Framework?
Thornton & Lowe supports education and SEND provision organisations across the UK in building compliant, competitive framework applications. Speak to our team for a no-obligation review of your suitability.
