NCC1101 Alternative Education

Northumberland County Council seek to establish a Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) to support the provision of Alternative Education for children of statutory school age. Alternative Education refers to the operation of programmes of learning and skills development in non-school settings with the aim of supporting the progression of students who have become disengaged or are at risk of being disengaged from school-based education. There will be an emphasis on students being provided with the opportunity to achieve academic accreditation, particularly in English and maths. All lots relate to pre 16 statutory education unless otherwise stated. During summer 2022 the DfE launched a call for evidence into understanding the use of unregistered alternative provision across England. This was announced as one of the commitments published in the SEND and Alternative Provision green paper which committed to strengthening protections for children in unregistered alternative provision. At the same time the impact of COVID is now starting to show within Northumberland resulting in a rise in both permanent exclusions and fixed term exclusions/suspensions. A FPS will create a more flexible solution providing the Council with improved access to suppliers in order to meet need. A provider information and engagement event is scheduled to be held as follows: Thursday 9th March 2.30 - 4.00 pm Room CR1, Northumberland County Council, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF Please register your place at this event by contacting Karen Davison on telephone number 01670 623960 or email: Karen.Davison01@northumberland.gov.uk