Alternative Provision Framework
Framework Description
Bracknell Forest Borough Council is preparing an Alternative Provision Framework for children and young people who cannot attend mainstream school, whether due to illness, exclusion or other reasons, including pupils with SEND and Education, Health and Care Plans. The Council is considering lots based on groups of learner needs. The opportunity is listed on Find a Tender under notice 080823-2026. The framework is expected to run to 31 August 2030, with an option to extend to 31 August 2032.
Context & Use Case
The Council's education team commissions alternative provision when a school place is not suitable, for example after a permanent exclusion, during a long period of illness or where a child's needs cannot be met in mainstream. Placements are commissioned around each pupil, with an aim to support progress and reintegration where appropriate.
Scope of Services
Provision for pupils unable to attend mainstream school Education during illness-related absence Education following exclusion Specialist SEND provision Support for pupils with EHCPs Reintegration and progression support
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits registered alternative provision schools, independent specialist providers and tutoring organisations with experience of excluded, unwell or SEND pupils. The framework is not yet procured, so providers must bid when the tender is issued. Expect to evidence teaching quality, safeguarding and learner progress.
Buyer Benefits
A framework lets the Council place vulnerable pupils quickly with providers already checked for safeguarding and quality, avoiding delays when a child is out of school. Grouping lots by need helps match placements to specialist expertise. Buyers will value attendance, progress and reintegration outcomes, and close working with schools and families.
Next Steps
Read notice 080823-2026 and respond to any market engagement or supplier questions, especially on the proposed lot structure. Prepare safeguarding policies, registration or inspection evidence and case studies showing outcomes for excluded or SEND pupils. Watch for the tender documents, then bid for the needs groupings you serve best. The framework will run to 31 August 2030, extendable to 31 August 2032.
How Athena Can Help
Alternative provision tenders score heavily on safeguarding and outcomes. Athena can help you prepare for public sector bids early, deciding which needs groupings to target and gathering the evidence buyers expect.
When the tender opens, our bid writers and reviewers draft and compliance-check every response. We can also build a pipeline of education frameworks across Berkshire and beyond so you can plan future applications and reuse strong evidence, rather than starting from scratch each time a council goes to market.
