- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 1. 0-16 Day education placement
- Lot 2. 0-16 Education with 38 week residential placement
- Lot 3. 0-16 Education with 52 week residential placement
- Lot 4. 16+ Day Education Placement
- Lot 5. 16+ Education with Residential Placements
- Lot 6. Alternative Provision - Registered Setting
- Lot 7. Alternative Provision - Unregistered Setting
Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Cheshire East Council
Delamere House, Delamere Street
Crewe
CW12JZ
Contact
Tracy Roberts
tracy.roberts@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 1270686973
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKD - North West (England)
Justification for not providing organisation identifier
Not on any register
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
North West SEND Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) and Alternative Provision
Reference number
DN505426
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Placements North West in conjunction with Cheshire East Council are inviting new providers to join the North West Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) for SEND to provide North West Contracting Authorities with a route for placing 0-25 year old learners with SEND into education provision.
The services covered in this FPS are for Children and Young People aged up to 25 in independent and non-maintained schools, colleges, specialist Post 16 Institutions, General Further Education (GFE) and Independent Learning Providers for Learners 16 - 25 years who have an education, health and care plan (ECHP) and those who require access to Alternative Provision to support educational outcomes.
The (FPS) will facilitate the Local Authorities of the North West to purchase these services from the Supplier through a Call Off Contract comprising an Individual Placement Agreement (IPA) or Block Contract subject to the terms and conditions of the FPS and those of the Call Off Contract.
The provision must be able to meet the objectives established in the Learner's Education, Health and Care Plan or within the IPA and services should be provided in compliance with all relevant statutory requirements, including timescales, and any requirements of the Regulatory Body.
The following Services are in scope of the FPS:
I. Lot 1: 0-16 Day education placement
II. Lot 2: Education with 38 week residential placement
III. Lot 3: Education with 52 week residential placement
IV. Lot 4: 16+ Day Education Placement
V. Lot 5: 16+ Education with Residential Placements
VI. Lot 6: Alternative Provision* - Registered Setting
VII. Lot 7: Alternative Provision* - Unregistered Setting
*Alternative Provision as defined by the Department for Education
In delivery of these services, the Provider shall operate fully in accordance with all relevant Acts of Parliament, amendment or re-enactment of any Act, Statutory Regulation, and other such laws and statutory guidance, as may affect the provision of education, health and care specified under the Contract
All services available under the FPS will be available to be called off by the 31 Contracting Authorities in the North West region. The regional FPS which will provide consistent quality standards, streamline processes, improve communication and encourage innovation.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
0-16 Day education placement
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
0-16 Day education placement - Registered provision
The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner.
Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework.
The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner).
The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses.
The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of:
• the service overall (the Outcomes), and
• individual placements (the Individual Outcomes).
In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities)
In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement.
The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose.
This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included.
The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
0-16 Education with 38 week residential placement
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
0-16 Education with 38 week residential placement. Registered provision.
The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner.
Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework.
The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner).
The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses.
The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of:
• the service overall (the Outcomes), and
• individual placements (the Individual Outcomes).
In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities)
In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement.
The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose.
This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included.
The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
0-16 Education with 52 week residential placement
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
0-16 Education with 52 week residential placement. Registered provision.
The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner.
Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework.
The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner).
The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses.
The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of:
• the service overall (the Outcomes), and
• individual placements (the Individual Outcomes).
In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities)
In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement.
The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose.
This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included.
The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
16+ Day Education Placement
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
16+ Day Education Placement. Registered provision.
The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner.
Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework.
The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner).
The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses.
The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of:
• the service overall (the Outcomes), and
• individual placements (the Individual Outcomes).
In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities)
In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement.
The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose.
This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included.
The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
16+ Education with Residential Placements
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
16+ Education with Residential Placements. Registered provision.
The Provider will create an environment in which the Services operate that has continuous improvement at its core. Services will be flexible, responsive and creative, in order to deliver provision that meets the needs of the Learner.
Ofsted (or an equivalent body approved by the Secretary of State for Education under section 106 of the Education and Skills Act 2008) inspection reports will be used as one of the key quality measures for this framework.
The Provider will deliver education and/or training appropriate to the age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs of the Learner in accordance with their EHC Plan or Annual Review (whichever is most up to date for the Learner).
The Provider will deliver a programme of education and activities which meet the Learner's outcomes, as stated in their EHC Plan or annual review paperwork (whichever is most up to date for the Learner). This will include supporting the Learner to work towards qualifications that meet their ability and demonstrate the Learner is making academic progression or acquiring skills. The Provider will endeavour to ensure the Learner does not repeat qualifications or courses.
The service specification sets out the outcomes the Provider will be expected to deliver in respect of:
• the service overall (the Outcomes), and
• individual placements (the Individual Outcomes).
In respect of the service overall, the Provider will be expected to participate fully in the North West Performance Monitoring and Outcomes Framework, providing the required data and key performance indicators (in the format requested by the placing authorities)
In respect of individual placements, the Provider will be expected to work with the Placing Authority to achieve positive outcomes for the Learner and meet the objectives as described in the Education, Health and Care Plan accompanying each placement.
The North West local authorities are committed to collaboration, co-production and best practice with Parents/ Carers and Providers, to ensure the regional contract remains fit for purpose.
This FPS will be regularly reviewed by the North West Regional Governance Group to ensure that the required outcomes are being delivered and further developments and innovation are included.
The Provider will be required to meet the requisite accommodation standards and requirements for children's homes specified within the Children and Young People's Residential Placements Flexible Procurement System.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Alternative Provision - Registered Setting
Lot No
6
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Alternative Provision - Registered Setting
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Alternative Provision - Unregistered Setting
Lot No
7
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Alternative Provision - Unregistered Setting
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
30 September 2025
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
This is advance notice of our intention to open Round 7 of this Flexible Purchasing System.
We value the work that external providers do in supporting children in the region and our aim is to ensure that the North West authorities can find the best external provision for children with educational needs.
We want to ensure that as many providers as possible are able to join the purchasing system and remain on the contract over its lifetime
To support providers wanting to join the purchasing system we are holding two information sessions as below. These are open to anyone offering Independent Special School or College places or Alternative Provision to North West authorities.
Providers already on the SEND FPS need not attend.
Please register for the sessions using the links below. The content in the sessions is different so we would recommend registering for and attending on both dates.
Pre Round 7 information session
3 July 2025: Teams
Will look at how providers can prepare for the upcoming opportunity and what the expectations will be if they apply to join.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/aa7ebfab-bbde-47b5-bca3-946f148e4d0c@a05ef69e-6149-4fba-a40c-df338810f644
Round 7 information session
9 October 2025: Teams
Recap on the requirements of the tender process and opportunity to answer questions once the documents are published.
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/07087907-0b84-4c06-ada4-aa9cc1df0bd0@a05ef69e-6149-4fba-a40c-df338810f644