Independent Specialist Education Provision Framework
Framework Description
Wolverhampton City Council's Independent Specialist Education Provision (ISEP) Framework buys placements for children and young people aged 5 to 25 and over with special educational needs and EHCPs. It started on 1 May 2026 and has four lots by age phase. It runs to 30 April 2031, with the option to extend by up to two 12-month periods to 30 April 2033, and reopens each year.
Context & Use Case
The council's SEND team uses the framework when a child's EHCP calls for an independent specialist placement. Lots by age phase let commissioners find a provider that suits a pupil's stage, from primary school through to provision after age 19. The council has published a pipeline notice for reopening the framework, so new providers can join as the cohort and its needs change.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: primary phase independent specialist placements Lot 2: secondary phase independent specialist placements Lot 3: post-16 independent specialist placements Lot 4: post-19 independent specialist placements
Lots
Lot 1 - Primary Phase Independent Specialist Placements; Lot 2 - Secondary Phase Independent Specialist Placements; Lot 3 - Post 16 Independent Specialist Placements; Lot 4 - Post 19 Independent Specialist Placements
Who Can Apply
Independent special schools, specialist colleges and post-19 providers able to meet EHCP outcomes. Qualified staff, sound safeguarding and Ofsted inspection history count, and preparation for adulthood matters for Lots 3 and 4. Because the framework reopens each year, new providers can apply at the next reopening.
Buyer Benefits
Commissioners can place pupils with providers already checked for quality and price, reducing delays when an EHCP names independent provision. Phase-based lots make it easier to match a child with a suitable setting, and yearly reopenings let the council add places where demand is outstripping supply.
Next Steps
Read the pipeline notice (056666-2026) on Find a Tender and note when the reopening is due. Pick the lots that match your age range, then gather Ofsted reports, staff qualifications, fee schedules and examples of EHCP outcomes. Providers already on it should check whether rates or information need updating at each reopening.
How Athena Can Help
For specialist providers preparing for the next reopening, Athena's application writing and compliance support covers lot selection, the quality questions and a final check.
Our SEND tender support helps independent schools understand how the council will evaluate and award placements. Where fees and quality are scored together, our bid consultants can help with pricing models and a health check on draft responses, finding weak answers and fixing them before the deadline. We can also look at how you are likely to score against other specialist schools in the same lot.
