West Northamptonshire Council is procuring an open framework for non-school alternative provision. The opportunity is broader than a general training contract: it covers tuition, support for social, emotional and mental health needs, post-16 provision, vocational learning and re-engagement services for children and young people.
The notice gives an estimated framework value of £47,999,999 including VAT and a maximum term of five years. For organisations already delivering alternative education or specialist support in West Northamptonshire, the key question is which parts of the framework genuinely match your delivery model and evidence base. If you want an independent view before committing bid resource, talk to Thornton & Lowe about bid support.
Framework scope
The framework is split into seven lots, but suppliers can bid for and be appointed to a maximum of five. The lots cover:
- 1a: SEND tuition
- 1b: curriculum tuition
- 1c: online tuition
- 2: social, emotional and mental health provision
- 3: post-16 provision for young people with an EHCP
- 4: vocational provision for learners aged 14 and over
- 5: re-engagement provision
This structure means the opportunity is relevant to a mixed supplier market. Tuition companies, alternative provision settings, specialist SEND and SEMH organisations, vocational providers and services supporting re-engagement may all have a route in, provided their experience aligns to the lot they select. Our guide to training and education tenders covers some of the evidence buyers commonly expect in this type of procurement.
How the open framework will work
The framework is designed with an unlimited number of suppliers and a 0% supplier fee. Establishment of the framework is based on 100% quality. Once appointed, contracts can be awarded either directly or through a mini-competition, depending on the requirement and the conditions set out in the framework documents.
That distinction matters. Winning a framework place does not guarantee a volume of work, so suppliers should think beyond the initial tender. Your service descriptions, geographic coverage, capacity, pricing and evidence need to remain usable when individual placements or requirements are called off.
Bid priorities
Strong submissions should make it easy for evaluators to understand the provision you actually deliver and the outcomes you have achieved with comparable learners. Evidence around safeguarding, referral and assessment, attendance, progression, reintegration, SEND support and risk management is likely to be more useful than broad statements about education experience.
Lot selection also deserves care. Because a bidder can pursue no more than five lots, there is little value in stretching into services where the evidence is weak. A tighter selection of lots supported by credible case studies, qualified staff and a clear delivery model can be a stronger position than trying to cover the whole framework.
Key dates and notice
- Tender submission deadline: 28 August 2026 at 12:00pm
- Estimated framework start: 4 January 2027
- Initial term: three years, with possible extensions to 3 January 2032
- Estimated value: £47,999,999 including VAT
Read the full Find a Tender notice for the Alternative Provision Framework and the tender documents before making a bid decision.
Bid support for alternative provision providers
Thornton & Lowe can help you review the tender pack, select the right lots, plan evidence and develop clear quality responses around your delivery model. Speak to our bid team if you would like support with the West Northamptonshire framework.
