Issue details

• Access and Inclusion are seeking permission to procure an Alternative Provision framework agreement for the delivery for the coming academic year, September 2022 – July 2023. This will replace the current framework for Alternative Provision that has now come to an end. 
• The AP framework agreement will allow Sheffield City Council to continue to deliver alternative provision programmes appropriate for the following 2 groups:

o   School-aged pupils who would benefit from being directed to attend provision away from the school site to manage their behaviour and engagement needs so that they can successfully return to a mainstream, school-based curriculum

o   Young people aged 16-25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan accessing alternative provision as part of their high needs provision at Sheaf Training

• These programmes will be delivered by organisations with an assessed capability and capacity to provide for the academic year 2022-23.
• Putting such arrangements in place will mitigate any risk to attending non-regulated provision to help with behaviour intervention. AP providers will undertake due diligence and necessary checks to comply with procurement rules and be subject to on-going quality assurance and contract management.
• Potential providers will be able to bid to provide provision on the framework
• This procurement for the academic year 2022-23 will allow the Council to complete its on-going review of the delivery of provision across the city with a view to creating a new alternative provision arrangement beyond 2023.