Nottinghamshire County Council has launched a Specialist Education – Alternative Provision Framework with a total value of £240,000,000 including VAT and an eight-year term. From short-term placements and bespoke tutoring through to DfE-accredited online education, this is a significant opportunity for organisations that deliver alternative provision to secure a long-term place on a major local authority framework.
If you're considering bidding, contact Thornton & Lowe for an initial opportunity review. Our team can quickly help you assess whether this framework aligns with your services and business objectives. You can also read more about bidding for education and training tenders on our website.
Framework Structure: Four Lots, Distinct Routes to Market
The framework is structured across four lots, each targeting a specific type of alternative provision:
- Lot 1: Transitional Short-Term Time-Limited Placements (block arrangement)
- Lot 2: Department for Education Accredited Online Provision (Online Education Accreditation Scheme)
- Lot 3: Specialist Individual Tailored Provision
- Lot 4: Tutoring
The lot structure is well-designed for the market it serves. Whether you deliver face-to-face placements for pupils at risk of exclusion, bespoke one-to-one learning programmes, or accredited digital education platforms, there is a clear route in. Suppliers should review each lot carefully and bid where their experience is strongest, rather than attempting to cover all four without the evidence to support it.
What Bidders Should Know
This is not a generalist contract. The Council is looking for providers who understand the needs of pupils who cannot access mainstream schooling. This is a group that includes young people with SEND, those facing social and emotional challenges, and pupils in managed moves or at risk of permanent exclusion. Bid responses will need to demonstrate both sector knowledge and a genuine commitment to outcomes for vulnerable learners.
- Lot 2 carries a specific accreditation requirement: Providers bidding for online provision must hold DfE accreditation under the Online Education Accreditation Scheme. Confirm your status before committing to this lot.
- Safeguarding will be scrutinised: All lots involve working with vulnerable young people. Robust safeguarding policies, clear vetting procedures, and demonstrable outcomes will be central to evaluation.
- The eight-year term is unusual: This longevity signals Nottinghamshire's commitment to stable, strategic partnerships. Use it as an opportunity to demonstrate your long-term organisational resilience and ambition.
- Smaller providers should consider their options: The total framework value is substantial, but individual lots may be very accessible for focused, specialist operators. Don't be deterred by the headline figure.
Quick facts
- Authority: Nottinghamshire County Council
- Total value: £240,000,000 including VAT
- Framework duration: 8 years
- Submission deadline: 3 July 2026
- Notice: View on Find a Tender
Preparing a Strong Submission
- Lead with outcomes: what measurable difference has your provision made for learners in similar settings?
- Reference any existing local authority relationships or comparable framework experience to demonstrate your understanding of public sector commissioning.
- If bidding for Lot 2, ensure your DfE accreditation documentation is current and clearly evidenced.
- If bidding across multiple lots, each response should stand independently. Don't assume evaluators will cross-read submissions.
Ready to put together a competitive bid? Contact Thornton & Lowe for tailored support. Our team brings extensive experience in education and public sector submissions and can help you shape a response that speaks directly to what Nottinghamshire is looking for.
